Fleetwood McDonalds worker killed seagull in violent attack because he was sick of its daily visits

McDonalds worker Michael Lancaster, of Warrenhurst Road, Fleetwood, kicked the bird and sprayed it with a pressure washer during the "horrible" attack, Blackpool Magistrates' Court heard.

The 47-year-old, who had been employed at the chain's Fleetwood branch, where he kept the outdoor areas neat and tidy, admitted killing the bird and causing it unnecessary suffering.

But magistrates, who were told he has since lost his job as a result of the incident, heard how Lancaster became enraged by the seagull's daily swoops into the bin yard area.

Paul Ridehalgh, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said Lancaster had kicked the gull - a protected species - injuring its wing.

He placed it in a bin and turned a pressure washer on the bird before poking it with a spiked stick.

Bench chairman Peter Trend said: "This was horrible and it should never have happened.”

A waitress tried to intervene, the court heard, after she heard the bird crying in distress. Lancaster continued his attack, saying he was fed up of the animal flying into the yard "every day".

The waitress called the RSPCA but the gull had died from its injuries.

In interview with an RSPCA officer, Lancaster said he had been sacked by the fast food chain because of what he had done.

He added: "I killed the seagull. It Ws my fault.”

The prosecutor added: "This is a serious offence involving deliberate violence.”

Patrick Nelligan, defending, said Lancaster had not taken some medication he should have done on the day of the offence.

Lancaster was given a two-year community order with 45 rehabilitation days. The former refuse collector was also placed on a four-month curfew and ordered to pay £290 costs.

He was given a lifetime ban on keeping or looking after animals.

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