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A young person from Australia has appeared in court after allegedly defacing a large blue sculpture of a legendary being by affixing plastic eyes to it.

Amelia Vanderhorst, 19 years old, appeared remotely at Mount Gambier Magistrates Court in the state of South Australia on that day, facing with one count of damaging property.

In a statement at the time of the recent event, the local council explained that surveillance video showed a person putting fake eyes on the artwork, which residents have nicknamed the “Cast in Blue”.

Ms Vanderhorst made no plea and told the court she was ill, as reported by news outlets, with the judge recommending her to find a legal representative before her upcoming hearing in December.

The following day the alleged incident, the city leader stated that repairs to the much-loved community sculpture would be expensive as the stickers were impossible to be removed without damaging the sculpture.

“This intentional vandalism to a valued community art is unacceptable and disrespectful,” Mayor Lynette Martin said in September. “It is not innocent amusement, it is pricey - it is also frustrating to those members of our community who have welcomed the Blue Blob.”

She added the council would pursue the “substantial” restoration expenses from those responsible for the damage.

When the artwork was initially suggested, it drew varied responses from the area residents due to its price tag and appearance.

Costing A$136,000 ($89,000; £68,000), the artwork represents a legendary giant animal, with the creators inspired by an ancient anteater-like marsupial found in nearby caverns that was “massive, lumbering and fascinating”.