Two due in court over illegal trade in peregrine falcons
Last updated 14th Jan 2024
Two people are due to be sentenced at Jedburgh Sheriff Court today (Monday) for their involvement in the illegal trade of peregrine falcons.
Police found a number of birds when they searched Timothy Hall's home in Berwickshire in May 2021.
The 48-year-old, who's been described as a part-time game-keeper - and his son, Lewis, who's 23 - previously pled guilty to charges relating to 22 peregrine falcons, including being involved in the illegal sale of the endangered species.
Timothy Hall also admitted being in possession of the birds - which are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act - and failing to provide clean water and adequate perches for them; as well as a breach of the Firearms Act, by not properly securing a shotgun in his property.
The offences came to light following a joint operation by Police Scotland and the Scottish SPCA, which involved a search of the Hall family home at Lamberton Holdings, close to the Scotland-England border.
When the case last called at Selkirk Sheriff Court, Sheriff Peter Paterson told the father and son they had admitted a serious offence.
He added: “Substantial sums of money were made from illegal sales in the Middle East.”
Figures such as £64,000 and £35,000 were quoted as sales of the protected birds.
Sentence was deferred for the preparation of background reports.
What do we know about peregrine falcons?
Peregrine falcons are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act, meaning it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb them near or on an active nest.
The species has historically suffered from persecution and pesticide poisoning with their numbers dwindling to their lowest levels in the 1960s.
Scottish specimens of the bird – which can dive at more than 200mph – are highly prized in the Middle East where they are used for racing by wealthy sheiks.
Stronger legislation has helped increase the number of falcons in the wild, however they are still persecuted for preying on game birds and racing pigeons.
Their eggs have also previously been stolen to order for private collections and falconry.
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