Feathers fly over canary contest

The bird breeder wept in the dock at Cardiff Crown Court

A canary breeder who punched a judge at an international bird contest has been told he will be sent to jail.

Bird fancier Mark Lowry, 35, was convicted of unlawful wounding and perverting the course of justice.

Lowry, a wrestling champion, had flown into a rage when the judge threatened to give low marks to his prize canaries.

At Cardiff Crown Court, judge Neil Bidder QC warned Lowry that imprisonment was inevitable.

He said: "You should hold out no hope of keeping your freedom."

The court was told how members of the English and Scottish canary teams had been staying at a hotel near Cardiff Airport last October.

The dispute arose over canaries

Feathers flew after the Scottish judge of the annual international bird competition, James McTaggart, told Lowry: "If your birds are not good enough, I will put you down."

Lowry, from Carlisle, punched Mr McTaggart on the side of the face, causing an eye wound which needed six stitches.

Lowry claimed he had acted in self-defence when Mr McTaggart struck him.

Both men had been drinking during their stay at the Airport Hotel in Rhoose.

He was accused of phoning Mr McTaggart to say he would settle out of court if the charges were dropped.

Lowry later tried to persuade another bird fancier to lie to police about the attack.

Wept in dock

The jury took four hours to find Lowry guilty of unlawful wounding and perverting the course of justice.

He was cleared of trying to bribe Mr McTaggart to drop the charges.

Lowry, a father-of-two who was described as one one England's best canary breeders, wept in the dock as he heard the verdict.

Sentencing was adjourned for reports.