Man fined for kicking a bird to death

Robert Rose, 22, of Peasholm Crescent appeared before Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

He pleaded guilty to intentionally killing the wild bird contrary to Section 1 (1a) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

RSPCA inspector Geoff Edmond said: “A witness was monitoring the starling at the time as the bird - a youngster - wasn’t quite flying.

“He had moved it to a tree where the parents were hanging around and was keeping an eye on it.

“It fell back onto the ground but again the parents were still present and the witness was watching when the defendant walked down the road and kicked the bird.

“The witness pursued the defendant and photographed him but very sadly the bird died a few minutes later.”

After help from North Yorkshire Police, Rose was identified, arrested and interviewed.

He was fined £200, ordered to pay costs of £300 to the RSPCA and a £30 victim surcharge.

In mitigation the court heard that Rose was putting the bird out of its misery, but this was not accepted.

RSPCA inspector Edmond said: “Whilst the court did accept that this was an impulsive act and that the defendant was remorseful, his actions caused the death of this young bird which is unacceptable, and illegal.”