A MAN who swallowed a goldfish alive at Tavistock’s Goose Fair last year has been banned from owning a fish for the next five years.

Alexander Mackey, of Erie Gardens, Plymouth, swallowed the goldfish whole ‘to impress his mates’ after one of them won it at the fairground.

The 21-year-old was captured on video dangling the clearly distressed fish above his mouth before dropping it in and swallowing. The video, posted by one of his friends on Facebook, was later reported to the RSPCA who accused him of causing unnecessary suffering to the fish.

Appearing before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court, Mackey pleaded guilty to the offence and apologised for his actions.

The court heard the 21-year-old, who works as an engineer, had drunk ‘four or five’ cans of lager with friends before heading to the fair, where he drank a further ‘four cans‘.

During a police interview, Mackey said he was so drunk, he barely felt the fish in his mouth.

The magistrates fined Mackey £752 and banned him from owning a fish for the next five years. They also warned him to curb his drinking, after he admitted to spending £100 a month on booze.