BASC has released the following statement in response to the sentencing today of former gamekeeper Alan Wilson after he pleaded guilty to nine charges including the killing of two goshawks, three common buzzards, three badgers and an otter.
Mr Wilson, 60, from Duns, in the Scottish Borders, was sentenced at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to 225 hours of community service and a nighttime curfew for a ten-month period.
Colin Shedden, BASC Scotland director, said: “BASC stands committed against wildlife crime, and any person found guilty should be adequately punished. To eradicate wildlife crime, the legal system should be used as an effective deterrent.
“BASC continues to support the Scottish government’s intention to increase penalties in cases of serious wildlife crime.”
BASC chairman Eoghan Cameron said: “Such crimes as those committed by Mr Wilson bring shame on the gamekeeping profession and make shooting more difficult to defend at a time when it has never been more in the spotlight.
“The very future of what we do is under real threat and so the dedicated, law–abiding shooting community must deplore behavior that threatens their reputation and puts at risk the employment of thousands of hard working and dedicated gamekeepers and staff associated with shoots.”