Keen Hunter Illegally Took Wild Deer Home And Slit Suffering Animal's Throat

Croydon Magistrates Court

A poacher, caught in the wilds of South Croydon dragging a dying deer to his pick-up truck - where he slit its throat - received a suspended prison sentence yesterday. 

Mian Zeshan Shahid, 32, denies shooting the wild deer with one of his powerful telescopic air rifles, but did film himself inflicting the fatal cut and posting images on Facebook.

Shahid, of Wattendon Road, Kenley pleaded guilty to intentionally taking a deer, without the consent of the land owner, in Mitchley Avenue, near Riddlesdown train station on December 23, last year.

He also admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely a deer, by transporting the animal and inexpertly cutting its neck.

Prosecutor Miss Rita Ali told Croydon Magistrates Court it was the day before Christmas Eve when a witness noted the defendant's registration number as he loaded the deer into his truck.

"The defendant was seen taking the deer from a field and the owner had not given permission for him to hunt in the field."

However, there was no evidence to support a criminal charge he killed the deer.

When police arrived at Shahid's home with a search warrant there was no sign of the deer, but they did seize hunting equipment, two air rifles, a telescopic sight, pellets, compressed gas, a lock-knife and tent.

They also discovered the gruesome footage he had taken on his phone and downloaded to his iPad.

Magistrate Mr. Richard Goold told him: "We have seen a copy of the Facebook posting, the content of the pictures and a statement from a vet who says that deer should have been taken to a surgery.

"You brought that animal home alive and you killed that animal in a way that was inhumane. This is a horrendous crime."

Shahid was sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 200 hours community service.

His lawyer Mr. Ovais Kadri said: "He is of good character and the father of a seven year-old girl. He has got a compassionate side.

"He accepts he should not have taken that deer and should have phoned 999 or contacted the RSPCA.

"The defendant never intended to go out killing any deer, but he does accept taking it away.

"He had no intention of hunting and in the past when he has gone hunting he has done it on ground he was allowed to.

"He is truly mortified. He enjoys the company of animals."

Croydon Wildlife Crimes Officer PC Ian Reeve told the court: The deer was collected from the field and between there and his home, a journey of thirteen minutes, it was killed."

The magistrates also made a forfeiture order regarding Shahid's hunting equipment and he was ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.