Remember a year ago we were blogging about the newly-appointed specialist wildlife fiscals at COPFS, brought in to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of wildlife crime prosecutions in Scotland (see here)? We noted at the time that only two of the promised three positions had been filled, even though we’d heard there were several well-qualified fiscals who’d applied for the final slot.
Word has it that the third position has now been filled. Guess who? Former COPFS lead on wildlife crime, Tom Dysart. Mr Dysart supposedly ‘retired’ earlier this spring, but now, if the rumours are true, he’s back.
Whether you think this latest appointment (if reports are accurate) is a good thing depends very much on how you viewed Dysart’s previous performance at COPFS. Although it’s worth noting that there is now a new head of the COPFS Wildlife & Environment Unit – a Mr Craig Harris, who presumably Mr Dysart will be reporting to. We’ll be watching with interest.
The RSPB has published its annual report ‘Birdcrime’, detailing offences against wild bird legislation throughout the UK in 2011.
Raptor Persecution UK 