GAMEKEEPER FINED FOR ATTACKING AND KILLING A BIRD OF PREY

Mr Dick lodged an alibi defence that he had been in attendance at a training course over 100 miles away and would have been on his way home at the time of the offence.

Mr Dick was, however, convicted on 4 August 2015 of killing and having in his possession a buzzard on the Newlands Estate, Kirkmahoe, Dumfries in April 2014.

Two walkers came across Dick with a large bird at his feet. The bird was hoping around in what was described as an unnatural manner. Dick was then seen throwing large rocks from above his head down at the bird and repeatedly stamping on it. They saw him placing a bundle wrapped in his jacket into his car, a dark grey coloured 4×4 pick-up truck before driving off.

When they approached the place where the attack had taken place they found a number of feathers lying nearby but no bird.

Deciding that they had just witnessed the cruel and illegal killing of a bird of prey they contacted the Scottish SPCA, who in turn contacted Police Scotland. One of the witnesses described the incident as sickeningly violent.

Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland investigators found a dead hare, feathers and a rock with what they thought was blood on it at the scene.

The rock and feathers found at the site were examined by SASA in Edinburgh. DNA from the feathers were confirmed as being from a buzzard. The carcase of the buzzard killed by the accused has not been recovered.

Helen Nisbet, Serious and Organised Crime Division said: “Birds of prey are given strict protection by our law. “It is highly important to preserve Scotland’s natural heritage, including the wildlife that forms part of it.

“We take people breaking our wildlife laws very seriously. This conviction highlights that message.” “The Crown will continue to prosecute such cases where appropriate to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.”