Suspect absent in court over geese deaths on Omega Boulevard

Widespread outrage was caused following the incident at around 7.30am on Saturday, July 15, when a car drove straight into geese in the road on Omega Boulevard in Great Sankey.

Seven were run over and killed during the incident, which was reported to Cheshire Police, Warrington Borough Council and Warrington South MP Andy Carter.

The force confirmed in the days that followed that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident – a 31-year-old man from Liverpool.

Abraham Andemariam, of Asbridge Street in Liverpool, was due to appear before Warrington Magistrates’ Court this morning over the incident.

At present, he faces four charges, namely driving a black Hyundai Ioniq without due care and attention, killing a non-schedule one wild bird, being a responsible person failing to prevent the causing of unnecessary suffering of an animal and use of a motor vehicle on a road without a valid test certificate.

The 31-year-old was absent however, with the court clerk explaining how the defendant had emailed the court in advance requesting an adjournment.

The Crown Prosecution Service and court had emailed back asking for more details why, with Andemariam believed to be in Ethiopia due to a family bereavement, and when he is likely to be back.

It was said in court that it is alleged that he killed seven geese, with changes to the charges likely to reflect this.

A car was caught on camera running over the geese

Concluding the hearing, the chair magistrate approved a prosecution request to adjourn for four weeks before the same court, with progress ‘to be made one way or another’ at that hearing.

In the aftermath of the incident, Mr Carter said: “I am firmly of the view that there needs to be some traffic calming measures, and I will be making contact with senior highways officers at the council.

“I am worried that the next incident could be far more serious and involve children.”

Residents also launched a petition, signed by more than 5,300 people, which read: “We are trying to keep these animals safe as they are next to a main road.

“All we ask is for traffic calming measures and fencing around the pond to keep these beautiful characters safe.

We need more to keep these animals safe. The geese are a protected species as they are in decline. Please help us to help them.”

However, the council confirmed: “When the traffic management requirements for this road were reviewed, the speed limit of 30mph and signage were correct.

“Due to there being a low number of collisions in the area, there is no immediate plan to introduce additional traffic calming measures.”