Most criminals sentenced to seven years have committed a serious crime, such as armed robbery or multiple burglaries. In 1807, however, a British man named John Godding was sentenced to seven years in an Australian penal colony for an entirely different offense: stealing seven pineapples. The prickly-skinned golden fruit was so prized in 16th, 17th, and 18th-century Britain that pineapples commanded exorbitant prices and were even available to rent to prosperous Brits who featured them as centerpieces at parties. The pineapple craze drove prices for the fruit so high that they became a prized target among petty thieves. Pineapples are native to the Caribbean and South America, and Christopher Columbus is credited with introducing them to Europe after finding them in Guadeloupe in 1493. The fruit quickly became de rigueur among the wealthy as an exotic delicacy. Importing pineapples was difficult, however, because they usually spoiled en route. In the 1770s, pineapples were selling in England for the equivalent of $17,000–$23,000 apiece in 2025 U.S. dollars.
Europeans went wild over the sweet, fragrant fruit, which became a symbol of warmth and hospitality incorporated into Renaissance architecture. Kings and queens clamored for pineapple, including Catherine the Great and King Ferdinand of Spain. King Charles II of England even commissioned a portrait of himself being presented with one. Initial attempts to cultivate pineapples in Britain’s cool climate failed. Transplanting and propagating plant stock and nurturing young plants to maturity was a painstaking process made more difficult by the fruit’s long maturation cycle, which requires as long as 2 1/2 years or more from planting to mature pineapples. British farmers tried for centuries before finally succeeding at producing pineapples in “hot houses” or “pineries” heated by furnaces placed within glass- walled enclosures. Advancements in global trade eventually made pineapples more readily available in Europe. Had the unfortunate Mr. Godding, the pineapple thief, committed his crime in modern times, he would probably have gotten off with a mere $100 fine.
Forbidden Fruit When Pilfering a Pineapple Was Britain’s Juiciest Crime
BEWARE OF DOG Dogs can be man’s best friend, but what happens when a bite unleashes a whirlwind of pain, medical bills, and legal questions? Florida’s dog bite laws are some of the strictest in the country, designed to protect victims and keep dog owners accountable for the actions of their pets. Whether you own a dog or were the victim of a bite, it’s essential to understand the laws and what steps you should take if an attack happens. National
What Every Floridian Needs to Know About Dog Bites
6. If the victim shares responsibility for the attack, a comparative negligence rule will be in place, reducing compensation. What to Do After a Bite If a dog bites you or a loved one, the most crucial step is to get to safety and secure the dog if possible. Clean the wound immediately to reduce the risk of infection, and apply pressure if there’s any bleeding. It’s crucial to seek medical attention, even if the bite doesn’t seem severe. If it’s safe to do so, gather evidence, like photos of the injuries and the contact information of the dog owner and witnesses. Call 911 and contact Animal Control so they can investigate the situation, make a report, and ultimately decide what will happen to the dog. Dog bites can be a traumatic and painful experience, and it’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney
Dog Bite Prevention Week this year is April 13–19, and we’re sharing the most important things you should know to stay safe, protect your legal rights, and navigate the aftermath of a dog bite. Strict Liability Rule
In Florida, a dog owner is legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. It doesn’t matter if the dog has never bitten anyone or shown aggression in the past. However, there are a few exceptions to this strict liability based on the victim’s behavior. If someone provoked the dog, a person was trespassing, or the victim ignored posted warning signs like “Beware of Dog,” the owner’s liability may be reduced or eliminated. None of those defenses apply if the victim was a child under age
to get the compensation you deserve to heal. Contact JustCallMoe today if a dog has attacked you or a loved one. Scan the QR code to download our ultimate guide to dog bites in Florida!
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