Woman facing assault charges after capturing seagull

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