MAN HANDED SUSPENDED PRISON FOR SHOCKING GULL ATTACK IN SCARBOROUGH
Richard Kitching, aged 43, was found guilty of animal cruelty following the release of CCTV footage that showed him attacking a herring gull in Scarborough.The video footage depicts Kitching approaching a group of gulls, seizing one bird, lifting it above his head, swinging it around, and then hurling it against a brick wall.
Afterwards, he retrieved the injured gull and threw it across the street, causing it to hit the ground.
The incident took place at 02:20 BST on August 13, 2022, on St Thomas Street.
In court, Kitching confessed to charges of animal cruelty and breach of the peace.
He received a suspended sentence of 32 weeks in prison, along with an order to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service.
RSPCA inspector Geoff Edmond described the gull as being 'tossed about like an object,’ highlighting the 'total disregard' for the animal’s welfare and noting that the bird would have experienced pain and distress.
Witnesses present during the incident saw the assault, and Kitching apologized during police and RSPCA interviews, citing intoxication as a factor.
Authorities underlined the importance of protecting gull populations, noting they are a declining species, and condemned cruelty towards them.
Additionally, Kitching was ordered to pay £85 in costs, a £187 victim surcharge, and to undertake 10 days of rehabilitation.
He is also disqualified from owning or keeping any animals for a year.
