US man jailed for six months after 'depraved' fork attack on ex-girlfriend's parrot
Man didn't remember what happened and claimed he may have mixed anti-anxiety medication with whisky and slipped into a blacked-out rage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man has been sentenced to six months in jail after he stabbed his ex-girlfriend's parrot to death with a fork.
Police alleged that Richard J. Atkinson, 63, was alone at the couple's home in Everett, Washington, when he trashed the house and killed the bird with a serving fork.
Mr Atkinson pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and domestic-violence malicious mischief.
He was sentenced to six months at Snohomish County Superior Court on Tuesday.
In court, Atkinson's defense attorney William Steffener, said his client didn't remember what happened and claimed he may have mixed anti-anxiety medication with whisky and slipped into a blacked-out rage.
The court ordered the accused to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. He also has to pay his ex-girlfriend for the parrot and destroyed belongings; he is also not allowed to own any animals for five years.
The judge said Atkinson's crime was 'depraved' and 'hideous and barbaric', and said he hoped that treatment combined with time in jail would stop Atkinson from ever hurting an animal again.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments