Man stomped on sandwich-stalking ibis

March 17, 2011 12:00AM

A STUDENT who was being stalked for his sandwich wrestled an ibis to the ground and stomped on it until the bird was so badly injured it had to be put down, a court has been told.

Andrew Quay Wee Meng, 25, pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday to one count of animal cruelty on March 1.

The court was told Quay Wee Meng had been eating a sandwich in Brisbane's South Bank Parklands when the bird "snuck up from behind" and jumped onto his table.

Quay Wee Meng threw his food down, wrestled the bird to the ground and stomped on it five times.

The court was told the bird's wing was shattered and a blow to its neck caused it such difficulty in breathing that it had to be put down.

Quay Wee Meng's lawyer, Sue Ganasan, told the court the Singapore-born law student lashed out at the ibis because he was once attacked by a large crow and had been frightened of Australian birds ever since.

However, she said, he accepted his response was excessive and he was remorseful.

Magistrate John Costello said onlookers would have been "appalled" by the attack, but said Quay Wee Meng's youth, guilty plea and lack of criminal history meant he would not receive a jail sentence.

He also agreed not to record a conviction after being told it would adversely affect Quay Wee Meng's chances of employment.

Mr Costello ordered Quay Wee Meng to perform of 120 hours community service, and that he do so with the RSPCA wherever possible.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/man-stomped-on-sandwich-stalking-ibis/story-e6frf7l6-1226022782536