A MAN has been fined for using cage traps to catch protected wild birds in North Yorkshire.

Alan Smith, 59, of Clifton Caravan Site, Water Lane, York, pleaded guilty to eight wildlife offences at Scarborough Magistrates Court on July 20.

He received a six-month community order with 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, £100 fine, £85 costs, £60 victim surcharge and £150 criminal court charge.

On July 3, 2015, PC Graham Bilton, a wildlife crime officer at North Yorkshire Police, visited an encampment at Gate Helmsley.

While there he noticed a small twin-chambered wire cage trap. The trap had been placed on top of a hedge and was actively set, and in one of the chambers was a male goldfinch.

PC Bilton, who is also a Scarborough Police rural beat manager, said: “The purpose of the trap and bird is to attract other wild birds of the same species drawn by the visual presence and singing of the ‘call bird’ inside. Any other wild bird approaching then activates the trap door which springs shut.”

Officers seized the trap and bird, which was subsequently identified as a recently-caught wild goldfinch. At the time no one was present at the site, however a note was made of the registration numbers of the vehicles present.

On July 6, PC Bilton visited another encampment in Scagglethorpe and recognised the vehicles present as being those seen at Gate Helmsley. At the Scagglethorpe site was a cage trap of a similar design, which was set on top of a hedge and contained another recently-caught wild male goldfinch.

Smith, who was at the site, was arrested on suspicion of committing wildlife offences and, following interview involving the RSPCA, was charged with a total of eight offences:

• Two charges of possessing a wild bird;

• Two charges of taking a wild bird;

• Two charges of using a decoy to take a wild bird;

• Two charges of using a trap to take a wild bird.

Both goldfinches were successfully released back into the wild.

PC Bilton added: “It is important that those responsible for committing wildlife crimes are brought to justice. This type of crime can have a dramatic effect on local fauna and flora, yet often go unreported and are difficult to investigate.

“The trapping, possession and sale of wild finches are all offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, but still remain a widespread problem in the UK.”

Inspector Geoffrey Edmond, RSPCA national wildlife coordinator, said: "The RSPCA will continue to be vigilant on the lookout for people taking birds from the wild. Finches such as the goldfinch remain sought-after for their colour and song. They are fully protected and suffer much stress when captured in this way and rendered into a miserable life in captivity. This case highlights the success of the RSPCA working in close partnership with North Yorkshire Police."