Woman faces milk carton assault charges after seagull capture

A 58-year-old woman allegedly attacked members of the public as they attempted to free a seagull that she had captured in south Belfast, a court heard on Tuesday.

Angela Wildman is also accused of using a carton of milk and a long-handled mop as weapons after she had put the bird into a sports bag.

Ms Wildman, of Annadale Drive in Belfast, denies three counts of common assault, possessing an offensive weapon in public, disorderly behaviour and resisting police in connection with the incident on 14 August 2024.

In court, defence solicitor Damien Trainor acknowledged the alleged incident appeared bizarre, but stressed that his client disputes having any mental health issues.

'Obsession' with 'wanting to capture wildlife'

Belfast Magistrates Court heard that officers were alerted to the incident on Botanic Avenue at about midday.

A police officer claimed that, after members of the public tried to free the seagull from the bag, "they were assaulted by the defendant with a long-handled mop and a large carton of milk".

One of those at the scene was allegedly struck by both objects.

The court heard that Ms Wildman then became aggressive towards the arresting officers as they attempted to apply handcuffs.

Opposing her application for bail, the officer added: “I don’t know that this obsession is with wanting to capture wildlife."

Defence solicitor Damien Trainor told the court that "the public were drawn to her attention because she had managed to capture a baby seagull and was looking after it,” he said.

“She explained to me that she feeds birds, takes birds home and looks after wildlife.

“She keeps herself to herself, feeds her birds and cleans her house, does her shopping and comes and goes.”

Ms Wildman, who is set to contest the charges at a future hearing, was granted bail based on the six-week period she has spent in custody.