Man denies dragging swan by neck through park

Image source, Google

Image caption, Scott Price appeared before magistrates in Newport on Monday

A man has pleaded not guilty to taking a protected wild bird, after a swan was filmed being dragged through a park by its neck.

Scott Price, of no fixed abode, is charged with an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

He is alleged to have committed the offence near Caerphilly Castle on 3 December.

The 35-year-old has been remanded in custody and will appear at Newport Magistrates' Court again on 23 January 2024 when he will stand trial.

Update 16 February 2024: Since the publication of this report, the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed that the case against Scott Price has been discontinued and he will not face further criminal proceedings.