For many, the mention of Mr Asbo the Swan brings back unpleasant memories. Even 2-metre-tall rowers have been unable to defend themselves from his attempts to bully the boaties.

But now fatherhood has earned the bird a reprieve from eviction.

This time last year, Cambridge rowers appealed to the Queen herself for permission to kill the irritable Mr Asbo for his terrorising antics. Two months later, he had to be caged to protect University students trying to enjoy the May Bumps race.

Groups responsible for the river had recently applied for a licence to move their feathered friend to a less disruptive location. But the approval failed to arrive before Mr and Mrs Asbo started nesting earlier this month.

Mr Asbo has also received the nickname ‘Stalin’ for his forceful nature, having been accused of biting the end of an eight-crew’s craft; giving rowers cuts and bruises; capsizing boats and even attacking seven-year old children.

Conveniently, Her Majesty’s Swan Warden – and, therefore, the person standing between Cambridge rowers and a less disrupted training session – is an Oxford academic.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, Mr Asbo has been protected by the £5000 fine and 6 months imprisonment risked by anyone who attempts to fight back.

With the swan’s move now delayed until at least September, those who have previously managed to rustle Mr Asbo’s feathers will undoubtedly be hoping that fatherhood will bring out his more gentle side.

In the meantime, special screens are being erected to stop the swan from being able to spot his next floating human targets….just in case.