Andrew Quay Wee Meng, 25, pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today to one count of animal cruelty on March 1.
He had been eating a sandwich in Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands when an ibis "snuck up from behind" and jumped onto his table. He 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.
His lawyer claimed in his defence that he lashed out because he was frightened of birds, having once been attacked by a large crow. However, he did accept that his attack on the bird was excessive and was remorseful for what he did.
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. Fair enough – I have no problems with that. Mr Costello ordered Quay Wee Meng to perform of 120 hours community service, and that he do so with the RSPCA wherever possible. Again, fair enough, although I do wonder how the volunteers and staff at the RSPCA feel about having an animal murderer working with them.
This is the bit I don’t get. The magistrate also agreed not to record a conviction after being told it would adversely affect Quay Wee Meng’s chances of employment. Err, am I dumb in thinking that committing crimes is supposed to have negative consequences for you in life, part of the reason for which is to deter you from doing the crime? Boo hoo, the guy might have had trouble getting a job as a lawyer … too bad so sad in my opinion, should have thought of that before beating the shit out of the bird.
It is certainly on the record now and Google will always find it.