Police described an incident where a man kicked and stamped on a goose as 'very disturbing'.

Mark Flintham, aged 54, of no fixed abode was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal in Abingdon in a hearing at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Monday (15/5).

He was given an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and was ordered to complete alcohol treatment and a rehabilitation activity requirement.

Flintham was also disqualified from keeping any animal for five years and ordered to pay £304 in costs.

Between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on 10 August last year, Flintham was seen by members of the public grabbing a wild goose in Abbey Meadows, Abingdon.

Flintham stamped on the goose and then kicked it and attempted to break its neck, before taking it away from the park.

He was charged on 18 January this year and found guilty in court on Monday.

PC Ben Little of the Rural Crime Taskforce said: “This was a very disturbing incident committed in broad daylight in a busy public park.

“Those that witnessed this incident were no doubt distressed by what they saw and I am pleased with the sentence handed down to Flintham, which reflects the offence.

“I am particularly pleased that he will be disqualified from keeping any animal for the next five years.

“We will not tolerate such behaviour and anybody who seeks to cause unnecessary suffering to animals can expect to face the consequences of their actions.”