A man who pled guilty to shooting a protected bird of prey on a country estate has been fined.
Roy Parker admitted to killing the Sparrowhank on the Moy Estate, south of Inverness in September 2021. Appearing at Inverness Sheriff Court on Friday, the 24-year-old was handed a £1,500 fine.
He was initially arrested and charged following a complex investigation by the RSPB and the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), NatureScot, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), the Wildlife and Environmental Crime Unit (WECU) and wildlife officers from Police Scotland.
Police Constable Daniel Sutherland, Wildlife Crime Officer for the area, said: “This act by Parker showed complete disregard for the law and our wildlife. I would like to thank all the partner agencies who helped with this complex enquiry.
"Their expertise is invaluable when it comes to investigating wildlife crime.
“The public also has an important role in assisting us combat wildlife crime I would encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious or has information about this kind of crime to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information relating to wildlife crime should contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
