Washington, October 12: A Florida man who killed a shark with a hammer last year in 2022 has avoided prison time. Instead, the judge sentenced Brian Waddill to an unusual punishment: he must contribute money to a zoo and complete a fishing course. He will also be placed on supervised probation for 12 months.

Waddill was sentenced to a year of no fishing, a $250 payment to the Brevard County Zoo, and completion of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation's shore-based shark fishing school. Waddill was also ordered by the judge to get a mental examination and to undertake any measures prescribed by the physicians. Florida Man Rescues ‘Choking’ Pelican by Removing Fish From Its Throat, Heartwarming Video Surfaces Online.

Waddill was arrested for the first time in December 2022. He was apparently shore fishing at Indian Harbour Beach's Bicentennial Beach Park when he snagged what is thought to be a protected lemon shark. Waddill brutally killed the shark with his hammer, repeatedly beating it over the head and cutting off its gills. He was captured in the act by a neighboring surf camera. 22-Year-Old Florida Man Catches Massive 19-Foot-Long Burmese Python (View Pics).

The FWC is concerned about potential resource infractions. The Fish and Wildlife Commission issued a statement. "While shark fishing is permitted in Florida, there are restrictions if you fish from a boat or from the shore, bridge, pier, or jetty. Waddill was charged with two second-degree misdemeanour offences including possession of a prohibited species and a violation regarding the harvest, landing, or sale of a shark. In addition to probation, he must pay $412 in court fees and charges by June 2024", it said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 12, 2023 10:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).