A cruel thug who brutally killed two baby gulls before spiking one on a fence has been jailed.
Terrence Johnston, 41, in Sunderland last July, he climbed a fence, killing one of the fledglings before impaling it on the railings. He then turned on his next victim, slamming the defenceless bird into a solid surface and throwing it over the fence. Neither survived.
Johnston, of Lewis Crescent in Sunderland, admitted the gruesome attacks after he was arrested. He appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside on Monday, October 8, and was jailed for 16 weeks.
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PC Peter Baker, rural engagement and wildlife enforcement officer at Northumbria Police, said: “This is an appalling case and I am pleased Johnston’s actions have led to a jail term.
“Both gulls were juveniles and had only recently fledged their nests. It is possible they were not yet able to fully fly - so were defenceless. I sincerely hope this case sends out a strong message to everyone. Wildlife crime is something we take seriously and we are committed to taking swift and robust action against anyone who hurts or abuses animals.
PC Baker said his department is continuing its work with the RSPCA to highlight the importance of “looking after animals” to people in the North East.
“I’d like to thank the public for their ongoing cooperation and would encourage any incidents of animal abuse or cruelty to be reported to us or the RSPCA, so we can investigate and action can be taken,” he said.
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