Whitchurch High School in Cardiff could face a lifetime ban from Italy and an eye-watering fine

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Whitchurch High School in Cardiff could face a lifetime ban from Italy and an eye-watering fine after pupils grabbed at a religious monument which gave way and crumbled when it hit the floor. The base of the ornamental cabinet, known as the Canto alla Paglia, is decorated with an image of the Madonna and Child and dates back to more than 500 years. Italian news website La Nazione said a group of British tourists climbed onto the ledge of the monument when a toy parachute got caught on it. A 15-year-old boy climbed onto another pupil’s shoulders and onto the tabernacle which then gave way under his weight.

The ornamental cabinet, known as the Canto alla Paglia, is decorated with the Madonna and Child

The boy was quizzed by police for damaging pubic property before being released at 2.45am on June 22, when the incident occurred. Another pupil was taken to hospital where he was treated for minor injuries after being hit by the ledge. The incident has angered locals in the world-renowned city, with one blogger demanding the culprits be banned from Italy for life. Pictures from the scene show a cordon around the monument with the Renaissance painting inside undamaged. The Italian Polizia Municipale confirmed damage to the monument had been caused by pupils from the Design and Technology department at the school, which may have to pay damages after the case is brought before a judge.

The boy was quizzed by police for damaging pubic property