A 38-YEAR-OLD Penshurst man who blamed his neighbour’s cat for the death of his pet bird has escaped conviction but been placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond for breaking items.

Russell Gleeson pleaded to the charges in the Hamilton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to intentionally and without lawful excuse destroying property, and making threats to destroy property, and was represented in court by Isabella Johnson.

Police Prosecutor leading senior constable, Greg Kew, told the court that on August 22, 2023, at about 11am Mr Gleeson returned home and found one of his pet birds deceased inside an aviary.

The court heard Mr Gleeson believed that his neighbour’s cat was responsible for the death so went next door and knocked on her door. He had a conversation with his neighbour about the bird and demanded $400 in compensation.

The court was told the neighbour said she wouldn’t pay so he picked up a ceramic item and threw it, which broke. He then picked up another pot and threw it on the driveway also causing it to smash. He then made threats to smash his neighbour’s door.

Police arrested Mr Gleeson and interviewed him and he made full admissions.

Ms Johnson argued her client had an acquired brain injury caused by a motor vehicle accident in 2007 and that occasionally he suffered “brain snaps” and had since moved from the address.

Magistrate Franz Holzer told the accused that the incident should not have happened.

“You’ve got to act with restraint,” he said.

Magistrate Holzer placed Mr Gleeson on a good behaviour bond for twelve months.