A pub worker swept a seagull nest full of eggs into a bin because the bird was dive-bombing drinkers.

Michael Bala, 27, was working at the Stag Inn, Brighton, when he decided to clear the protected Herring Gull's nest off the roof of a beer garden terrace.

Brighton Magistrates’ Court was told how a customer had even told Bala to leave the red listed gull alone but he carried on as the distressed bird circled above.

RSPCA officers visited the Upper Bedford Street pub on May 29 and told Bala that he had committed a criminal offence and faced a six-month prison term.

Bala, of Lansdowne Place, Hove, admitted destroying the nest and three eggs and told magistrates he had “no idea” it was against the law.

He added: "The reason I did it was the hygiene issue, it was health and safety. We were getting complaints from customers."

He said, despite the noise of the Herring Gull circling above, he hadn't realised there were eggs in the nest.

Bala told the court: "I am deeply sorry. I was concerned about the mess and I didn't realise it was an offence."

The 27-year-old was handed a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £280 in costs.