Man banned from park for killing swan

A swan was killed in Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street on 30 July (library image)

A man has been banned from a park for a year after admitting killing a swan.

Michael Whittle of Stanley, County Durham, has been barred from entering Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street, after he pleaded guilty to killing the bird on 30 July, and using threatening behaviour or words to harass, alarm or cause distress.

Appearing at Peterlee Magistrates' Court on Friday, the 20-year-old was also fitted with an electronic tag and told he cannot enter Rotary Way and Chester Burn in Chester-le-Street for 12 months.

He was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation as well as a nine-month alcohol treatment programme.

At the time, Durham Police thanked members of the public who "tried to intervene" during the attack, which happened at about 18:30 BST.