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A teenager from Australia has appeared in court after allegedly vandalizing a large art piece of a mythical creature by applying plastic eyes to it.

Amelia Vanderhorst, 19 years old, participated via phone at the local court in South Australia on that day, facing with one count of damaging property.

Officials commented at the moment of the recent event, the local council explained that CCTV footage captured a individual placing artificial eyes on the sculpture, which locals have dubbed the “Blue Blob”.

Ms Vanderhorst made no plea and told the judge she was ill, according to news outlets, with the judge recommending her to find a lawyer before her next court date in December.

A day after the alleged incident, the city leader stated that restoration to the popular public artwork would be expensive as the adhesive eyes were impossible to be removed without harming the sculpture.

“This intentional vandalism to a cherished community art is inappropriate and disrespectful,” City of Mount Gambier mayor remarked in September. “It is not innocent amusement, it is costly - it is also disappointing to those members of our society who have embraced Cast in Blue.”

The mayor added the council would pursue the “substantial” repair costs from those responsible for the damage.

At the time the artwork was initially suggested, it received mixed reactions from the area residents due to its price tag and design.

Priced at 136,000 Australian dollars ($89,000; £68,000), the sculpture represents a legendary giant animal, with the creators influenced by an ancient anteater-like marsupial found in local caves that was “massive, lumbering and fascinating”.