A Bedfordshire man has been sentenced to eight months in prison for the illegal sale of stuffed birds of prey.
Greg Turner, 32, of St Peter’s Court, Ashwood Close, Potton, described as ‘an unemployed stuffed bird enthusiast’, was reported to have illegally sold over 100 birds on Ebay, netting £22,000. The species included red kite, marsh harrier, goshawk, peregrine, kestrel, barn owl, tawny owl and hawk owl. When officers from the National Wildlife Crime Unit raided his home, they found stuffed birds, two dead birds in his freezer waiting to be stuffed, and forged paperwork.
Kudos to the National Wildlife Crime Unit for their investigation and special mention to Judge Stuart Bridge, who said the following at Luton Crown Court:
“In my judgement this was your livelihood, illegally trading in stuffed specimens. It was pre-planned, blatant and calculated and put live birds at risk. You took a risk hoping you would not be noticed. I am told that you have ceased trading and are in work but the seriousness of the offence can only be adequately reflected by immediate custody“.
An excellent result – finally, here’s a judge willing to use the full force of his sentencing powers. Well done to all involved.
BBC news article here
Hertfordshire Advertiser article here
Raptor Persecution UK 
So..where did the dead raptors come from then?…
If the Hertfordshire Advertiser’s report is accurate, Turner’s defence team said ‘Turner would place adverts for people who were likely to come into contact with dead birds of prey to bring them to him….’.
Hmm, I can think of one particular group of people who would be ‘likely’ to come into contact with dead birds of prey…