Andrew Lee Jones of Tonypandy, appeared at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court on Friday (1 November) for sentencing. He had pleaded guilty to one offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 on 30 October.

He had admitted that on 1 May this year in the area of de Winton Street, Tonypandy, he intentionally killed a gull.

CCTV footage caught Jones trample and kick the gull – which sadly died in consequence of his actions. An RSPCA appeal for information was launched in June as part of enquiries into the incident. The CCTV footage – from two cameras – was kindly provided by Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council.

RSPCA inspector Simon Evans said: “A witness in a car saw Jones kick the gull and then sadly found the bird dead when they were able to get back to the location.

“We’d very much like to thank them for their evidence and help in this case.

“This horrific incident was also caught on CCTV where the defendant was seen kicking the bird and using his foot to direct it into a corner of the car park.

“The bird had sustained other injuries before this attack – however a post mortem examination found that it would have been the blunt trauma injuries – from the defendant’s kick that would have been the most likely cause of death.

“There is no excuse for this kind of deliberate cruelty.”

Magistrates sentenced Jones to 12 weeks custody with immediately effect. There were no award of costs. A victim surcharge of £115 was also imposed.