Budgie killer now caged

A Hamilton teenager who broke into a primary school and stole a pet budgie from a classroom then microwaved it to death has been jailed for nine months.

Ashley James Daldy, 18, appeared before Judge Anne McAloon in the Hamilton District Court yesterday.

Daldy previously admitted eight charges of burglary and one of cruel treatment of an animal.

Two further charges of wilful damage, committed while he was on bail, were also admitted.

Judge McAloon described the incident with the bird as a "particularly nasty offence" but said the burglaries were considered more serious.

The court was told Daldy broke into Hamilton West School at least three times and stole the bird, computer equipment and a video. He also broke into three other schools and a community hall.

- NZPA