Snatching grumpy owl was thief's big mistake

An owl which caused the thieves who stole the bird to crash their getaway car is recovering from the ordeal after being reunited with its owner. Addy, a barn owl belonging to Andy Godbeer, suffered a dislocated leg after foiling burglars who broke into its home in Plymouth.

The three-year-old bird was snatched by Jason Denton, 23, who put her on his lap as he drove away in a stolen car.

As police gave chase, the bird began pecking Denton's face and arms until he lost patience and threw Addy out the window at 65mph.



But he and his accomplice was so ruffled by the experience that he crashed into the wall of a car park.

Denton, who was covered in bites and scratches, pleaded guilty to one charge of burglary at Plymouth Magistrates Court. He was bailed to be sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court on August 30. His accomplice has yet to appear in court.

During its ordeal, Addy suffered a haemorrhage in her right eye and dislocated a leg.

Mr Godbeer, a shop porter, said Denton got "exactly what he deserved".