DAVID LEE'S SHOCKING CRIME IN ROKER: SICKENING ACT ON BABY GULL LEAVES COMMUNITY HORRIFIED

David Lee, a man born around 1983 and residing on Roker Avenue in Roker, Sunderland, became the subject of a disturbing criminal case after he was caught engaging in a bizarre and disturbing act involving a baby herring gull. The incident, which took place in the early hours of August 18, 2022, has left the local community deeply unsettled and has drawn significant attention from law enforcement authorities.

According to court reports, Lee was observed near Gladstone Street in Sunderland at approximately 1am. Witnesses or surveillance footage captured him chasing a gull down the street in a frantic manner. The footage, which was presented during the court proceedings, shows Lee pursuing the bird not just once but twice, indicating a pattern of disturbing behavior. In a subsequent clip, Lee is seen emerging from an unknown location holding a smaller bird, which is believed to be the same gull or another young bird.

What followed was even more troubling. Lee was recorded placing the small bird between his legs and engaging in a sexual act while watching pornography on his mobile phone. The footage clearly depicts his actions, which are considered highly deviant and illegal. After completing the act, Lee released the gull, kicked it away, and then walked off in the opposite direction, leaving the bird injured or distressed. The court was informed that the bird's ultimate fate remains unknown, raising concerns about its survival and well-being.

Lee was later apprehended by police at a nearby takeaway establishment. During questioning, he claimed that he had picked up the gull because he believed it was injured and that he was using his phone to find out how to help the bird. However, police investigations revealed a different story. Instead of searching for veterinary assistance, Lee had been viewing animal pornography, which was confirmed through digital evidence. This revelation added a layer of depravity to the case and underscored the disturbing nature of his actions.

Originally from Washington, Tyne and Wear, Lee now resides in Sunderland. He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the bird, a charge that reflects the seriousness of his misconduct. His defense, represented by Annalisa Moscardini, highlighted that Lee is a heavy drinker prone to blackouts, which may have impaired his memory of the incident. Moscardini explained that Lee accepts he committed the act but has little recollection of the specifics, suggesting a possible link to his alcohol consumption and mental health issues.

Further psychological assessments revealed that Lee suffers from an unstable personality disorder and exhibits signs of detachment from reality. The reports also described him as a pathological liar whose falsehoods serve no apparent purpose, indicating significant mental health concerns that may have influenced his behavior.

Lee, who is currently receiving benefits, has a prior criminal record, including a 2020 conviction for possession of a blade. His criminal history and the nature of this recent offense contributed to the court's decision.

During sentencing, Chair of the Bench Angela Thompson emphasized the severity of the crime, noting that the young gull suffered as a result of Lee's actions. She pointed out that Lee was under the influence of alcohol and had accessed pornography involving animals at the time of the offense, both of which were considered aggravating factors.

As a result, Lee was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £150 surcharge. The court also imposed a ban on him keeping any animals for a period of ten years, reflecting the seriousness with which the justice system views animal cruelty cases in the area of Sunderland and Roker.