Father who killed two swans while riding a jet ski admits damaging the Queen's property

Rope towing his children on inflatable raft ripped into birds



Under ancient law any unmarked birds belong to the Crown



Guilty: Edward Johnstone admitted criminal damage at Trafford Magistrate's Court



A father who accidentally killed two swans while riding a jet ski has admitted causing criminal damage to the Queen's property under an ancient law.



Edward Johnstone, 34, was towing his children on an inflatable raft when the line between them whipped across the water hitting the birds.

The tow rope struck two swans at Sale Water Park, Greater Manchester, where they were seen flapping and unable to lift their heads as the family careered around the waterway.



They died shortly after the incident, Trafford Magistrate's Court heard.

Johnstone, of Wythenshawe, Manchester, told the court he did not intend to kill the creatures but admitted he was reckless while riding the powerful water bike.



He was charged with criminal damage because under an ancient law swans are the property of the Queen.



Johnstone pleaded guilty to the offence and was given a four-week community order with a night-time curfew - he was also ordered to pay £85 court costs.



Lynn Rogers, prosecuting, said witnesses rode out into the water park and removed the swans.



Johnstone said he and his children were mortified by what had happened and left his name and contact details and was later arrested.

He denied the offence at earlier hearings but pleaded guilty on the day of his trial on the basis his actions were reckless and not intentional.



Lyndsay Knaggs, defending, said the single dad-of-two, had all the relevant jet ski licences and had been to the water park before.



The swans were seen flapping about and unable to lift their heads after being hit by the jet ski. They died shortly after the incident at Sale Water Park, Greater Manchester

Johnstone told the court: 'That day was just about having fun with the children. I just wanted them to have a good time. My actions caused the swans to die but it was reckless.'



Chairman of the bench Barry McKenzie said it was an exceptional case and told Johnstone: 'Two living creatures were killed. When swans are killed it's not easy to replace them and there's a loss to public amenity.'

