Leave Blaine in peace says judge as attacker is fined

A judge has urged the public to end the attacks on illusionist David Blaine, who is spending 44 days without food, suspended above Tower Bridge in a plastic box.

Passing sentence on a businessman who admitted causing criminal damage to Blaine's water supply, district judge Stewart Black said yesterday: "I cannot understand why people like you can't leave Mr Blaine in peace." Stephen Field, 38, was fined £750 after admitting scaling a 30-ft scaffolding tower and throwing a five-gallon plastic water container to the ground. He also ripped off the feeder pipe and broke two taps in the process.

Blaine, who is 25 days into his widely publicised stunt, has faced hostility from the public and has had eggs, golf balls and insults hurled at him by passers-by.

Others have bared breasts or bottoms, barbecued food and banged drums to keep the American illusionist awake at night.

Field, a married man with four children, of Godalming, Surrey, went to take a look at Blaine after working until 3am on 16 September, but then decided to scale the scaffold. Security staff were alerted by Blaine and attempts were made to persuade Field to come down. Field then challenged security staff below, shouting: "I'll take you all on if I come down. I'll take you all on," Tower Bridge magistrates court heard. Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to the scene, and power was temporarily cut off to prevent Field being electrocuted by the cables. The defendant eventually came down of his own accord and was arrested.

Damage to the water container unit, feeder pipe and taps was estimated at £225.

Michael Burdett, defending, said: "He now realises it was an extraordinarily stupid thing to do and apologises to David Blaine."