UK Press:Iguana cruelty victim in court

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Posted by Desiree on February 25, 2002 at 18:15:49:

In Reply to: UK:Iguana-Throwing UK Woman Convicted posted by Desiree on February 25, 2002 at 18:01:07:

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Monday, 25 February, 2002, 17:53 GMT
Iguana cruelty victim in court

A woman who threw her pet iguana at a policeman has been convicted of two charges of animal cruelty.
In an unprecendented move, a tank was set up at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court in Newport to house Igwig, a green iguana, during the case.

His owner, Susan Wallace, 47, of The Close, Seaview, Isle of Wight, was found guilty of two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the reptile by throwing it and another charge of common assault.

The iguana, which was brought to the court as evidence, will now be handed back to Wallace and will not be confiscated.

'Lizard lady'

RSPCA spokeswoman Lucy Clarke said the presence of the reptile in court was extremely unusual and added: "This is the first time this has happened that we are aware of.

"We are not happy with the animal having to make this journey to court because it means it will be in less than ideal circumstances but it was the wish of the court."

The court heard that Wallace, known as "the lizard lady", had brought the iguana into the Anchor pub and was asked to leave when she started to upset customers by placing the iguana on their shoulders and heads.

Close friend

Doorman John Rosenthal told the court how after he had asked her to leave twice, he escorted her from the pub where she attacked him by throwing the iguana at him twice and kicking him once.

The court heard that Wallace, described as extremely drunk, then went to Cowes police station where she became abusive to Pc David Harry and threw the iguana at him.

It missed and hit a filing cabinet, falling to the floor.

Wallace, who admitted having a drink problem, told the court she was inseparable from Igwig.

"My iguana is an individual and I give him free run of my house. We sleep together, I roll it up in a towel, I place him at the end of my bed, he crawls out and ends up on my chest at 6am."

The case was adjourned for sentencing on 2 April.

Iguana cruelty victim in court

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: SEE LINK FOR PHOTOS : Monday, 25 February, 2002, 17:53 GMT : Iguana cruelty victim in court : A woman who threw her pet iguana at a policeman has been convicted of two charges of animal cruelty. : In an unprecendented move, a tank was set up at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court in Newport to house Igwig, a green iguana, during the case. : His owner, Susan Wallace, 47, of The Close, Seaview, Isle of Wight, was found guilty of two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the reptile by throwing it and another charge of common assault. : The iguana, which was brought to the court as evidence, will now be handed back to Wallace and will not be confiscated. : : 'Lizard lady' : RSPCA spokeswoman Lucy Clarke said the presence of the reptile in court was extremely unusual and added: "This is the first time this has happened that we are aware of. : "We are not happy with the animal having to make this journey to court because it means it will be in less than ideal circumstances but it was the wish of the court." : The court heard that Wallace, known as "the lizard lady", had brought the iguana into the Anchor pub and was asked to leave when she started to upset customers by placing the iguana on their shoulders and heads. : Close friend : Doorman John Rosenthal told the court how after he had asked her to leave twice, he escorted her from the pub where she attacked him by throwing the iguana at him twice and kicking him once. : : The court heard that Wallace, described as extremely drunk, then went to Cowes police station where she became abusive to Pc David Harry and threw the iguana at him. : It missed and hit a filing cabinet, falling to the floor. : Wallace, who admitted having a drink problem, told the court she was inseparable from Igwig. : "My iguana is an individual and I give him free run of my house. We sleep together, I roll it up in a towel, I place him at the end of my bed, he crawls out and ends up on my chest at 6am." : The case was adjourned for sentencing on 2 April.

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