ROBERT MUIR FROM SOUTH-WEST LONDON CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO DUCKS AT RICHMOND RIVERSIDE

On the evening of May 25, 2016, a disturbing incident unfolded along the banks of the River Thames in Richmond upon Thames, South-West London, involving Robert Muir, a man born on April 3, 1967, and residing on Sandycombe Road. Witnesses in the area were left shocked and appalled when they observed Muir engaging in a brutal act against a defenseless mallard duck.

According to reports, police were called to the scene after bystanders reported the disturbing scene. CCTV footage captured the moment Muir approached the bird, which was foraging and seemingly unthreatening. He initially enticed the duck with food, luring it closer to him. Once the bird was within reach, Muir grabbed it and proceeded to break its neck, an act of violence that left many witnesses horrified.

After the initial attack, Muir picked up the dead duck once more, twisting its neck again before discarding the carcass into a nearby bin. The scene was witnessed by several families present at the riverside, who were deeply disturbed by the cruelty inflicted upon the innocent animal.

Defense lawyer Steven Mould attempted to justify Muir’s actions during the trial, claiming that Muir believed the duck was suffering and in distress. Mould stated, “He feels [the duck] was suffering and in distress and saw others were concerned about this and he did what he did. He comes from a hunting background and took no pleasure in it, he did not enjoy it, there’s no emotion at all from Mr Muir, he felt his actions were noble and appropriate.” Mould also mentioned that Muir suffers from a drinking problem and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which he attributes to Muir’s military service in Northern Ireland during the 1980s.

However, the magistrates dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the CCTV footage showed the duck was actively trying to avoid Muir. The court noted that the bird was moving freely and made numerous attempts to escape before Muir captured it, indicating that the act was not a matter of necessity or sport but a deliberate act of cruelty.

Further background revealed that Muir had a criminal history, with 18 previous convictions for 24 offenses. These included an assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) in 2012, for which he served six months in prison, and an incident involving setting fireworks off in the street during the same year.

Detective Constable Sarah Bailey from the Metropolitan Police’s Wildlife and Crime Unit commented on the case, stating, “Muir lured over a female Mallard duck with food in full view of members of the public. Ducks in Richmond are well accustomed to human interaction. Muir has used this to cruelly entice and kill this wild duck. There was no element of sport or necessity, but it was a callous, random act of cruelty. I hope today’s sentence serves as a reminder that wild birds are protected and animal cruelty is unacceptable, and we will always pursue those who inflict harm and break clear Wildlife and Countryside legislation.”

As a result of his actions, Robert Muir was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, pay costs and charges amounting to £415. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which animal cruelty is regarded in the UK, especially when committed against protected wildlife species.