A Huddersfield man has been sentenced for taking almost 200 wild bird eggs from their nests.
Terence Potter, 64, of Cumberworth Lane, Upper Cumberworth, Huddersfield, admitted five offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 when he appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 17th February 2021.
He appeared before the same court yesterday for sentencing.
Potter was charged with six offences under section 1 of the Act - three of possession of wild birds' eggs; three of taking wild birds' eggs - and two offences under section 18 of the Act - possession of an article capable of being used to take wild birds' eggs.
The maximum penalty on summary conviction is 6 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine for each offence.
The offences date back to 30th April 2020 when Potter, a known bird egg enthusiast, was spotted searching through the heather near the town of Holmfirth by a concerned local gamekeepers. Several rare species of bird were known to be nesting in the area at the time.
South Yorkshire Police intercepted Potter on moorland within the Peak District National Park a short time later. He was found in possession of egg collecting paraphernalia including syringes, thermal imaging binoculars and data cards.
A warrant was obtained for the search of Potter's Upper Cumberworth property and a total of 193 wild birds' eggs were recovered - 179 black-headed gull eggs; 8 golden plover eggs; and 7 curlew eggs. Several other items of egg collecting equipment were seized from the address.
The offences were aggravated by Potter's previous conviction for similar offences in 2013.
Magistrates determined that the offences, when considered in totality, were so serious that only a custodial sentences was appropriate.
Potter was sentenced to 12 weeks' custody suspended for 2 years.
He was also ordered to pay £120 towards prosecution costs and £128 victim surcharge.
A deprivation order was made in respect of the seized eggs and associated egg collecting paraphernalia.
Speaking after sentencing, Tom Grose, RSPB investigations officer, said: "We are pleased with today's outcome, which sends a strong signal that such thoughtless destruction of wildlife, for personal gain, will not be tolerated.
"Among Potter's collection were seven curlew eggs - these are a declining, red-listed species which conservationists are working hard to bring back from the brink.
"Birds should be allowed to flourish in their natural environment, where they can be enjoyed by all.
"Thankfully, these days egg collecting is largely a thing of the past and court cases like this one are becoming increasingly rare.
"We are grateful to the individuals who reported this man's suspicious behaviour, and to South Yorkshire Police for such a thorough investigation."
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