A man has been sentenced after he stole a parrot that was free flying in Richmond Park before rereleasing the pet leading to its death.

Sattar Abdul, 44, from Essex, was found guilty of the theft of the Macaw at Wimbledon Magistrates Court yesterday (January 27, 2022).

On June 20, 2022, at around 8pm a parrot was stolen and put into a car outside Sheen Gate in Richmond Park.

It is understood that a pair of parrots were being free-flown in the area.

The car was reportedly an Uber and Abdul claimed that the bird, named Sura, had “flew into his vehicle as it was unwell”.

A video released by Royal Parks Police on Twitter shows the animal appearing distressed in the car.

He took it back to his home in Essex but realised that he was unable to care for the bird and so returned her to Richmond Park.

Meanwhile the owners had been looking for their missing pet.

The macaw parrot has reportedly been killed by a fox since this theft and Sura’s owner was “very distressed at losing her.”

Abdul received a four-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and ordered to Pay £2,000 compensation.

PC Riggs, investigating officer said “We are pleased with the conviction, but our thoughts are with Sura’s owner who has lost an irreplaceable friend.”

A spokesperson for Royal Parks Police: “Mr Sattar Abdul, 44, from Essex, was found guilty yesterday of theft at Wimbledon Magistrates court.

“On 20/6/22 at Sheen Gate in #RichmondPark, Mr Abdul claimed that a free flying Macaw flew into his vehicle as it was unwell.

“The Macaw, named Sura, was taken back to Mr Abdul’s “Home in Essex whilst the owner was looking for her.

“The following day, Mr Abdul, unable to care for Sura, returned her to Richmond Park. It is believed she was killed by a fox.

“Mr Abdul received a 4 week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and ordered to Pay £2,000 compensation.

“He was also given 200 hours of community service. “