Bird killer faces prison
A Shropshire gamekeeper was today facing jail after admitting killing wild birds and badgers in a case which the RSPB called "one of the worst" they have dealt with. A Shropshire gamekeeper was today facing jail after admitting killing wild birds and badgers in a case which the RSPB called "one of the worst" they have dealt with. Kyle Burden, 19, of Lydbury North, near Bishop's Castle, intentionally killed two common buzzards and attempted to kill another two, magistrates in Ludlow heard today. The court was also told that he intentionally killed two badgers, set eight spring traps and used a shotgun to kill a buzzard. All of the offences happened between May 14 and July 21 last year while Burden was a gamekeeper on the Kempton Estate near Craven Arms. Burden today admitted nine offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act with another six taken into consideration. A further six offences were dropped because the prosecution could find no evidence. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
A Shropshire gamekeeper was today facing jail after admitting killing wild birds and badgers in a case which the RSPB called "one of the worst" they have dealt with.Kyle Burden, 19, of Lydbury North, near Bishop's Castle, intentionally killed two common buzzards and attempted to kill another two, magistrates in Ludlow heard today.
The court was also told that he intentionally killed two badgers, set eight spring traps and used a shotgun to kill a buzzard.
All of the offences happened between May 14 and July 21 last year while Burden was a gamekeeper on the Kempton Estate near Craven Arms.
Burden today admitted nine offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act with another six taken into consideration.
A further six offences were dropped because the prosecution could find no evidence.
Phil Mason, prosecuting, said the matter came to light after two other gamekeepers who worked alongside Burden on the 6,000 acre estate reported him.
Mr Mason said: "One of them was also shown a book by Burden, used to record vermin kills. It had an asterisk which is alleged to have stood for the number of birds he killed and the word 'billy' which is a countryside term for badgers."
Huw Williams, for Burden, said: "This young man's life has been ruined. There is another side to him. He has already been suspended from his position and it is unlikely he will ever work with animals again, which was his life.
"He was protecting the pheasants he looks after and the buzzards and badgers were attacking them."
Clare Brentnall, chairman of the magistrates, said: "We have taken into account the job that you do and your special position of responsibility where you use a shotgun.
"We are keeping all options open with regard to sentencing. But the offences are so serious that you may go into custody."
Mark Thomas, investigations officer for the RSPB, said: "We are extremely pleased that Kyle Burden has pleaded guilty to these serious offences. This is one of the worst wildlife cases we have ever dealt with."
The case has been adjourned until September 19.
By Catherine Roche
