A Norfolk man who was charged after five goshawks were shot and killed in west Suffolk is due to appear in court this week.

Francis Addison, 72, from South Park Weeting, is to appear at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Thursday, June 29.

Addison was arrested on suspicion of breaching firearms licence conditions in March and charged with the following offences:

  • Five counts of possession of a dead schedule one wild bird.
  • Killing a non-schedule one wild bird.
  • Use of an animal trap in a 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.

The birds of prey were found on Monday, January 16, having been left in a parking area near the B1106 in Kings Forest near Bury St Edmunds.

X-rays showed all five birds had suffered injuries from multiple pieces of shot.

East Anglian Daily Times: X-rays showed all five birds had suffered injuries from multiple pieces of shot.X-rays showed all five birds had suffered injuries from multiple pieces of shot. (Image: Suffolk police)

All birds of prey are protected by law, and to kill or injure one could result in jail time and/or an unlimited fine.

The five young hawks killed in this incident were goshawks, known to be elusive birds with wingspans of between 100 and 150cms.

The RSPB offered a £5,000 reward for anyone who had information which led to a conviction.

Addison was arrested on Monday, March 27 and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning before being released under investigation.

He was then charged on Wednesday, June 7 and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates' Court later this week.