A 33-YEAR-OLD man who was filmed throwing a baby swan in Stonehouse has been cautioned by police.

Last year the man was spotted jumping into the canal onto a family of swans before grabbing one of the cygnets and throwing the bird across the water.

Footage of the attack (see a still image of the man above) was shared by police and the Stroud News & Journal in a bid to find the man and there was widespread anger over his cruel actions.

The was identified following the public appeal and this week attended a police station to receive the caution for “intentionally taking and injuring a swan and its cygnets” under Section 1(1)(a) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

PC Mel Campbell, rural and wildlife officer for Stroud, said: “I am very grateful to members of the public who responded to our appeal and helped us identify the person responsible for this crime, which rightly outraged many people.

“The offender has accepted responsibility and said that he is disgusted and ashamed of himself for carrying out such offences against wildlife.

“This should be a warning to anyone else who commits such senseless acts that we will track them down and take action to bring them to justice.

“We will not tolerate any offences against wildlife, and encourage everyone to report them and any information they have about possible offenders.”

Do you recognise the man above? Contact reporter Huw Mabe on 01453 769414 or via huw.mabe@newsquest.co.uk