Man killed duck by wringing its neck in front of shocked families in Richmond

A "callous and cruel" man killed a duck by wringing its neck after luring it over to him on the banks of the Thames in Richmond.

Robert Muir, 49, then picked up the animal again, twisting its neck a second time before dumping its dead body in a bin in front of stunned families.

Members of the public called police after seeing the man launching the random attack at Richmond Riverside at about 6pm on May 25.

CCTV footage showed Muir enticing the mallard duck with food twice before the cruel attack.

Detective Constable Sarah Bailey from the Met's wildlife crime team said: “There was no element of sport or necessity, but it was a callous, random act of cruelty

"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.”

DC Bailey added: “I hope today's verdict 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."

Muir, of Sandycombe Road in Richmond, was convicted at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday after being found guilty of one count of killing a wild mallard duck. He had denied the offence.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, February 10.