Dumfries and Galloway: Man convicted of killing 15 birds

Barry Nicolle, 67, admitted numerous charges at Dumfries Sheriff Court on Wednesday. He is due to be sentenced next month.

The charges related to the reckless use of illegal poison that resulted in the death of 15 birds, including five red kites.

The birds were recovered within a mile of Nicolle’s address, some just a few hundred yards from his property.

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Wildlife Officer, Police Constable John Cowan said: “Extensive policing involving a range of partners, together with forensic science, enabled us to build a case against Nicolle who had been killing protected birds for a number of years.

“There was not only a risk to the rural area but also to the public dealing with poisoned birds, some of which were found near a primary school.

“Police Scotland and the partners we work with treat all forms of wildlife crime very seriously and this belief sends a powerful message that those who poison wild and protected birds will be rigorously investigated.

“I would also like to thank the public who have provided information that has supported our investigations. This is critical to our work in fighting wildlife crime.

“I would encourage anyone who comes across a protected dead bird or animal to report it to us. If you have any wildlife crime information, please call 101.”