Christine Foreman, the Birdwoman of Shirley, flew the coop on Monday, taking wing from Croydon Magistrates after escaping a custodial sentence but with a warning ringing in her ears that if she is caught again feeding the flock of pigeons which she attracts to her home on Wickham Road, she will go to prison.
Neighbours in Shirley have been complaining about Foreman’s flock for four years, with the woman being given an ASBO last October which was soon broken. Foreman’s story has become such a surburban cause celebre that a TV production company wants to make a documentary about her.
They now may have their chance, since at Monday’s sentencing session, Foreman was handed down 150 hours of community service, rather than being caged in jail.
According to the Croydon Guardian‘s reporter Mike Didymus, in passing sentence, Rose Thorn JP said: “There’s a lot of stress caused to your neighbours and other people in the area and this can’t go on.
“You have total disregard for any court orders made and also I don’t think you actually realise how serious this is.”
via Pigeon lover spared prison (From Croydon Guardian).
Related articles
- The Birdwoman of Shirley is being dragged back to court this week (insidecroydon.wordpress.com)
- All Shirley Life is to be found in online magazine (insidecroydon.wordpress.com)
