Former binman who was sacked for karate kicking snowman's head off appears back in court

A former binman who was sacked after famously kicking the head off a child's snowman has appeared back in court over new charges.

Callum Woodhouse went viral back in January 2021 when CCTV footage showed him kicking three-year-old Joseph Taylor's 6ft-tall creation while emptying out the boy's family's bins.

Herefordshire Council ended up sacking the binman after he described himself as the 'snowman killer' and refused to apologise for booting the snowman in the head.

"Yes I kicked the snowman. No it doesn't have feelings," he said at the time.

More than two years after the unusual altercation, Woodhouse found himself in court for criminal damage and possessing a knife in a public place.

The 21-year-old narrowly avoided jail for the charges, which saw him smashing a police station door before being caught with the weapon.

Woodhouse pleaded guilty ahead of his sentencing at Hereford Magistrates Court this month, where it was heard that he had entered the city's police station to make an enquiry on 10 February.

When he felt he wasn't getting any help, he kicked and smashed a glass door before being restrained by officers and arrested.

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When asked if he was carrying any weapons, Woodhouse revealed he had a kitchen knife in his sock.

Defending attorney Marilena Di Vitantonio said that a 'very long and detailed' pre-sentencing report had been prepared by the probation service, adding: "I think you will gather that mental health plays a big part in this."

The former binman was said to have gone to the station in need of further assistance after being seen by mental health professionals.

Di Vitantonio added: "He was unable to get that help and kicked out at the door in frustration.

"He would welcome a community order with open arms as he feels he needs help and no-one is listening."

Prosecutor Melanie Winterflood said Woodhouse made no comment in his police interview and that he had one previous conviction for battery dating back to January 2020.

Woodhouse, from Kingstone, Herefordshire, pleaded guilty to both charges and was handed a 132 day prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £135 and a £154 victim surcharge.

Back to the snowman incident, Woodhouse previously claimed he had apologised to the family while explaining why he did it.

"The snowman was obstructing my work and it was going to melt anyway," he said.

"I didn’t really have any other reason for kicking it. I saw it melting so I thought I’d kick it. I’m the snowman killer, aren’t I?

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"I’ve apologised to the family. I messaged them on the day it blew up [on social media] but they blocked me.

"I’m out of work now, just for kicking a snowman.

"I’m going to be a dad now. I’ve lost my job, f**ked over a snowman. I have a family to feed."

Thousands of people who sympathised with the binman's situation signed a petition at the time calling on Herefordshire Council to give him his job back.

The change.org campaign said: "The guy worked throughout the whole pandemic, risking his own wellbeing and that's what he gets?! And for what, a pile of snow... grow up and give the man his job back!"

Despite the call to action, the council stood by its decision.