A man who drove through a flock of geese, killing seven of them, has been handed a suspended prison sentence. Abraham Andemariam, 31, of Liverpool, struck the birds on Omega Boulevard in Great Sankey, Warrington, on 15 July.
Footage from a Ring doorbell camera captured the incident, which occurred around 07:00 BST. Witnesses, including four passengers in Andemariam's car, were distressed by the suffering of the birds, the court heard. The geese were left dying with severe injuries, including torn skin.
Andemariam, an Amazon driver originally from Eritrea but now of Asbridge Street, Toxteth, was traced after his vehicle's registration was captured on camera. Police found feathers on his car's bonnet at his workplace. He pleaded guilty to seven charges of intentionally killing a wild bird, a Greylag Goose, as well as driving without due care and without an MOT certificate.
At Liverpool Magistrates' Court, chairman Reginald Nash noted the harm caused and Andemariam's failure to avoid the collision. However, magistrates imposed a 12-week jail term suspended for a year, citing his lack of previous convictions and the impact on his young children. He was also banned from driving for six months, ordered to complete 50 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation days, and pay £274 costs.
Defence lawyer Rebecca Templeman said Andemariam was 'appalled' when shown the CCTV footage and 'visibly upset' by his actions. He had missed an earlier hearing due to the death of his 16-year-old brother and surrendered himself after learning he was wanted.
