Man fined for wild bird shootings

Daniel Britain shot the birds during a barbecue at his home

A man who shot protected birds dead with an airgun has been fined £650.

Daniel Britain, 22, killed an oyster catcher and gull while shooting with friends outside his home, but was reported by an upset neighbour.

Britain admitted killing the birds at his home in Golfview Road in Bieldside in July this year when he appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

A Scottish SPCA spokesman said the organisation was "disgusted" at Britain's actions.

Depute fiscal Raymond O'Brien told the court Britain had shot the birds during a barbecue held at his home. He had bought the rifle from a shop six months earlier.

Britain's solicitor, Mike Monro, said: "The accused accepts he was acting in a totally unacceptable manner by shooting these two birds.

"The weapon has since been destroyed and he has no intention of getting another one. The neighbour is most upset about this and he wants to apologise for the distress he caused her."

'Stupid thing'

Scottish SPCA chief inspector John Carle said: "The Scottish SPCA was disgusted that wild birds had been cruelly attacked with an airgun.

"Wild birds are protected by law and this incident has not only ended two lives but could also unfairly tarnish the reputation of those who use airguns in a perfectly legal and responsible manner."

Sheriff Edward Savage told Britain: "Clearly this was a stupid thing to do.

"I would stick to shooting tin cans instead of live birds. These are protected species."