Norfolk Man Convicted of Possessing Dead Goshawks

A Norfolk man has been convicted of a series of wildlife, firearms and shotgun offences after being forensically linked to the bodies of five dead goshawks.

Francis Addison, 72, of South Park, Weeting, admitted the following offences when he appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 29th June 2023:

• Five offences of possession of a dead schedule 1 wild bird (goshawk);
• One offence of killing a non-schedule 1 wild bird (wood pigeon);
• Two offences of using an animal trap in circumstances for which it is not approved;
• Two offences of possession of an article capable of being used to commit a summary offence (two air rifles and six animal traps);
• Six offences of failing to comply with the conditions of a firearms certificate;
• Four offences of failing to comply with the conditions of a shotgun certificate.

Magistrates heard that the five dead goshawks were found by Forestry England workers in a car park at King's Forest, near Bury St Edmunds, on Monday, 16th January 2023.

Forensic examination of the birds revealed they had injuries consistent with being shot and DNA retrieved from one of the carcasses matched that of the defendant.

A subsequent search of Addison's property uncovered further offences in relation to how his firearms, shotguns and ammunition were kept.

Nicola Lamb, prosecuting, outlined the case accepted by the Crown - namely that the part-time gamekeeper had "found" the dead birds and taken them home for safekeeping in his freezer until he could hand them over the British Trust for Ornithology in nearby Thetford.

However, on hearing from a friend that possession of the dead birds was an offence, he "panicked" and returned them to the car park where he had found them.

Lisa Robinson, mitigating, told the court that her client had no involvement in the death of the goshawks - something he had maintained from the outset.

In relation to the firearms and shotgun offences, Ms Robinson conceded that her client had been complacent in leaving weapons and ammunition insecure in various cupboards, coat pockets and his car. Given the rural location of his home, it was unlikely they would fall into the wrong hands.

In relation to the animal trap offences, Ms Robinson said her client was unaware of the relevant legislation.

Addison, a former military firearms instructor, had no previous convictions.

Magistrates' were of the view that Addison's offences, when considered in the round, were so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate. However, due to his age and health, they decided to suspend the period of custody.

Addison was sentenced to 12 weeks' custody, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £1080 in compensation (to cover post-mortem costs), £154 surcharge and £105 towards prosecution costs.

Sergeant Brian Calver of Suffolk Constabulary's Rural and Wildlife Crime team said: "This is a particularly disturbing case. Bird of prey crime is a national wildlife crime priority, which is taken very seriously by police. We will leave no stone unturned in pursuing criminals that cause deliberate harm to wildlife.

"This incident has had a significant impact on the goshawk population in the Brecks and in particular their ability to expand their territory.

"As well as possessing dead schedule 1 birds, Addison has shown a complete disregard for the security of his guns, which is equally concerning and is something that was noted in the court.

"We welcome today's outcome and I hope the sentence imposed sends a strong message to others that are involved in this type of criminality. We'll continue to work closely with partners to ensure such crimes become a thing of the past."