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British police officer Rob Banks becomes unlikely internet star for his ironic name
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Sharp-eyed Twitter users were tickled pink by officer Rob Banks, who appeared for a few seconds on British television network ITV's news bulletin on Jan 17, 2019. (Screengrab from Twitter/Seth Darby via The Straits Times/File)
A British police officer has become an unlikely internet star, all because of his ironic name.
Sharp-eyed Twitter users were tickled pink by officer Rob Banks, who appeared for a few seconds on British television network ITV's news bulletin on Thursday (Jan 17).
The Avon and Somerset police constable wore a serious expression as he spoke about how recent budget cuts have affected the police forces.
But his name hogged the headlines instead, after a screenshot of the television interview quickly found its way online.
Twitter user Seth Darby was among those who shared a screenshot on social media, and his tweet has since gone viral with over 17,000 retweets and 66,500 likes.
He wrote in the tweet: "And the award for policeman name of the year 2019 goes to ..."
And the award for policeman name of the year 2019 goes to.... pic.twitter.com/uPyHYu0YcA
— seth darby (@sethdarby) January 17, 2019
Read also: Show me the money: Wealth-flaunting meme goes viral in China
Several Twitter users responded by calling it the best moment of 2019 so far.
Another user, Jeremy Bowling, said: "I do hope it's short for Robin."
Mr Banks has since inspired social media users to share other hilarious and unfortunate names they have come across.
These include Cardinal Sin, who was a leader of the Catholic Church in Philippines, and a doctor specializing in faecal microbiology named Henry Butt.
(Stolen from @belindie) pic.twitter.com/TMknMlCHul
— Steve McCormick (@Quasilocal) January 18, 2019
Twitter user Mr Natural wrote: "I knew a man called Russell Sprout, went into politics, joined the green party."
I new a man called Russell Sprout, went into politics, joined the green party. :)
— Mr Natural. (@NeilMatheson60) January 18, 2019
This article appeared on The Straits Times newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
