Man butchered swan (From Barry And District News)

Man butchered swan

A BARRY man accused of killing and butchering a swan has had charges against him dropped, but he admitted receiving a dead wild bird and being in possession of it.

John Alan Partridge, aged 36, appeared before magistrates yesterday.

At a previous hearing, Partridge, of Amherst Crescent, faced the more serious allegations that he stole and killed a swan on Monday, June 7.

In defence, Garth James had argued: "I cannot see there is enough evidence to say my client killed or stole the swan. Is it an offence to butcher a bird?"

It was stated that an unnamed third person plucked the bird before Partridge took possession of it. Mr James added: "Witnesses saw the bird being delivered by a van. The swan was already dead when it arrived. My client did no more than butcher the bird.

"The charges need to be clarified before we proceed with this case. I am not satisfied the charges are correct."

When in front of magistrates this week, Partridge admitted he believed the bird to be stolen, and to being found with it.

He spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth, and to admit two lesser charges of receiving stolen goods and being in possession of a dead wild bird.

Having been remanded in custody by the magistrates when he appeared last week, Partridge was given bail until the next hearing.

He had to agree to live with his mother at an address in Nottingham.

The court was adjourned until July 7 for while pre-sentence reports are prepared.