Peer pressure played a part in the senseless shooting of swans which outraged the community, a court has heard.

Benjamin Phillips, 24, of Jury Lane, Haverfordwest, and a youth, who cannot be named due to a court order, pleaded guilty to charges of killing a swan and possession of an air rifle in a public place, when they appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday afternoon.

Vaughan Prichard-Jones, prosecuting, told the court that four swans were found dead or injured in Withybush Woods in October, and X-rays taken at a local veterinary practice revealed air rifle pellets and metal fragments in the birds.

A cygnet had to be put down due to its injuries, as its bone had been shattered by the shot.

David Williams, representing Phillips, told the court that he realised the immense public disapproval and upset caused by the incident, and his car had been scratched with obscenities and the words ‘swan killer’ in the run up to the court case.

Mr Williams added that Phillips had shot a swan to ‘put it out of its misery’ after it had been wounded.

The court heard that the group initially planned to shoot rabbits and ducks on private land which they had permission to use, but couldn’t find any and decided to fire at the swans.

In interview Phillips said: “The gun’s sights were off. I aimed at its head but missed and hit its wing. I took three or four shots, but only to put it out of its misery.”

He added: “I’m disgusted at what I did. It got out of hand, it was a big mistake and I’m very sorry.”

Mr Williams added that Phillips’ mental health had deteriorated as a result of the incident, and he had even considered committing suicide.

He said: “This incident and the shame and remorse that he deeply feels has only exacerbated his ill health.”

Katy Hanson, representing the youth, said he was influenced by being with a group of significantly older men and was apprehensive about taking part.

She said: “The gun was passed to him. He felt a huge amount of pressure to take a shot. He says he took one shot and purposefully missed.”

She added: “He deeply, deeply regrets his actions.”

Magistrates sentenced Phillips to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work plus a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He will also pay £200 in court costs and surcharges.

The chairman of the bench said: “This has been a distressing case for the whole community. The community still feels very strongly about this, and that’s something you will have to live with.”

The youth was handed a 12-month referral order by the bench, and ordered to pay £105 in court costs and charges.

Gareth George Mattson, 32, of Goshawk Road, Haverfordwest, entered a not guilty plea to the charges and a trial date was listed for April 19.

A fourth defendant, Joseph David Lawson, 19, of Marble Hall, Milford Haven failed to appear at Tuesday’s hearing, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.