Shooting UK

From guns and gundogs to the latest shooting news; the complete online network for the British shooting community.

Gamekeeper prosecuted for killing protected species

Gamekeeper prosecuted for killing protected species

Burden admitted shooting two common buzzards.

Photograph: David Kjaer


By Alex Flint

Thursday, 09 October 2008

Kyle Burden, a 19-year-old gamekeeper formerly of the Kempton Estate in Shropshire, was handed a 26-week suspended jail sentence on September 19 this year for shooting common buzzards and killing badgers.

Burden admitted nine charges, including killing and attempting to kill buzzards, killing badgers and illegally setting eight spring traps.

Sentencing, chair of the magistrates at Telford Magistrates Court Claire Brentnall said: “We are satisfied that the offence is so serious that custody is the only sentence. We regard this as a very serious offence and the purpose of this sentence is punishment.”

She added that the bench had taken into account the defendant’s age and his obvious remorse, before ordering him to complete 150 hours of community service and pay £200 in costs.

Mr Burden’s offences came to light after two other gamekeepers working on the estate witnessed him shooting buzzards and clubbing to death badgers that were caught in snares. They contacted the RSPB, prompting an investigation to be launched.

The court heard that the police had seized a coded diary, which the witnesses claimed Burden had written in, containing a tally of the animals that he killed. The witnesses alleged that the tally had included protected species, with entries relating to 102 buzzards, 40 ravens and 37 badgers.

The investigations officer for the RSPB, Mark Thomas, said: “This is a truly horrifying case. Wildlife on this estate was killed brutally and systematically.
“The lack of respect for nature, the disregard for the law and the arrogance involved in these crimes was total.”

He added: “Huge thanks are due to the gamekeepers who came forward and let us know what was happening at this estate. Their actions were brave and public-spirited, and show the decent, law-abiding face of gamekeeping.”


CompPrevious
British Deer Society calls for an end to shotgun use

British Deer Society calls for an end to shotgun use

Shooting deer with any smoothbore gun is illegal, ...

CompNext
Sporting shots and Forestry Commission create new habitats

Sporting shots and Forestry Commission create new habitats

The initiative looks to work with shooting tenants...


Gundogs Training

How can I stop my gun dog from dropping the dummy?

How can I stop my gun dog from dropping the dummy?

How do I stop my gun dog spitting her dummy out, I have tried placing ... Read more


More in Gundogs Training...


Gundogs Events

URC North Midlands

URC North Midlands

The North Midland Area of the United Retriever Club held a successful ... Read more


More in Gundogs Events...


Gundogs Health

What's the best way to get my gun dog to eat her food?

What's the best way to get my gun dog to eat her food?

My young bitch is a very fussy eater. I have tried several brands of d... Read more


More in Gundogs Health...



Comments


Post your comment:

Shooting Gazette Magazine

What's in this issue?

Christmas 2008 issue!

Subscribe to magazine

Save up to 25% on a subscription to Shooting Gazette, subscribe today!


Subscribe to Shooting Gazette

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Save up to 25% on a subscription to Shooting Gazette, subscribe today!


Latest articles

Sussex estate bags partridge trophy

Sussex estate bags partridge trophy

The Duke of Norfolk’s Arundel estate in Sussex has been awarded a... Read more


Labour MP shoots first pheasants

Labour MP shoots first pheasants

Labour’s backbench spokesman for shooting and fishing, Martin Sal... Read more


More in Latest articles...



Shooting Poll Take part in our poll

Will you be shooting on Boxing Day?