Norfolk man charged after birds of prey found shot in West Suffolk

The gruesome discovery was made in January

The Goshawks discovered at Wordwell
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 7th Jun 2023

A Norfolk man has been charged after five birds of prey were found shot dead in a layby in West Suffolk earlier this year.

The goshawks were discovered on January 16, in a layby off the B1106 in Kings Forest, near Wordwell.

All had suffered multiple injuries, after being hit by shotgun pellets.

72 year old Francis Addison, of South Park in Weeting, was arrested on March 27.

He has now been charged with:

  • Five counts of possession of a dead schedule 1 wild bird (goshawk)
  • One count of killing a non-schedule 1 wild bird (wood pigeon)
  • One count of use of an animal trap in circumstance for which it is not approved
  • Two counts of possession of an article capable of being used to commit a summary offence, namely two air rifles and six animal traps
  • Six counts of failing to comply with the conditions of a firearm certificate
  • Four counts of failing to comply with the condition of a shotgun certificate.

Addison will appear before Norwich Magistrates Court on June 29.

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