A 21-year-old man has appeared in court accused of killing a pigeon by firing a catapult at it in Newcastle. Leighton Baldwin pleaded not guilty to the charge of killing a non-schedule 1 wild bird at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week.
Allegation and defence
Baldwin, of Falmouth Road, North Shields, allegedly fired the catapult at the bird on April 3 this year. He claimed he did not injure the pigeon, saying he was only firing pieces of food at it. His defence solicitor, Kash Khan, said: "He doesn't accept he's responsible for injuring the pigeon. He was not aware the other male [the co-accused] shot the pigeon. He doesn't accept causing injury and says he only shot food at it."
Trial date set
Jade Houston, prosecuting, said the offence could only be tried in the magistrates' court. District Judge Paul Currer adjourned the case for trial, telling Baldwin: "You have pleaded not guilty to this allegation, so the matter will have to be resolved by trial. That trial will take place on January 13 at 10am back in this court." He added that if Baldwin failed to attend, the trial could proceed in his absence and he could face prosecution under the Bail Act. Baldwin was released on unconditional bail.
The court heard that Baldwin's co-accused was due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Friday, October 16.
