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Bird expert, formerly for
prosecution, now mostly for defence - including
legally aided cases and single joint expert; mostly
in respect of Bird Protection or Bird Conservation
issues, including both wild and captive birds.
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Criminal courtroom bird expert experience in England, Scotland and
Wales - Magistrates and Crown Courts, High Court,
Sheriff's Court.
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Former RSPB bird expert, head of investigations prosecutor;
Fellow and former Principal of the Institute of
Professional Investigators.
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Listed bird expert in UK Register
of Expert Witnesses, Sweet
& Maxwell Expert Witness Directory and Law
Society of Scotland Expert Witness Directory.
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Scope of legislation covered includes Wildlife
and Countryside Act and all supplementary regulations,
Orders and Open Licences, Protection of Animals
Act and supplementary legislation, CITES trade controls
and all related legislation.
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Bird expert services include examination of all evidence as
supplied by client solicitor, preparation of full
written Expert Report and any subsequent court appearances.
- Written bird expert report will assess the quality and
relevance of any ornithological or other specialised
evidence involved and outline the extent and relevance
of this complex and often poorly understood legislation,
depending upon the facts of the case, including:-
i) Identification of bird(s) involved
to species and perhaps sub-species level, plus Age,
Sex and UK, European or World range,
ii) Species Biology, Population Size and Range (where relevant) and any relevant Legislative or Conservation Status,
iii) Identification of Bird Parts, Derivatives or Remains,
iv) Assessing the Possession Status of Captive Birds as either Captive Bred or Wild Caught and commenting on their physical and biological condition, e.g. alleged Wild Behaviour,
v) Alleged Possession of Trapped Wild Birds, plus examination of any bird Cages, Bird Traps or Trapping Equipment and commenting on their legality or suitability,
vi) Feather Identification to at least species level,
vii) Taking or Possessing Wild Birds’ Eggs and the Identification of Birds’ Eggs, to species level,including non-UK and non-European sources,
viii) Disturbing Wild Birds, including unlicensed Nest Photography of Rare Breeding Birds,
ix) Predation and Predatory Bird Issues,
x) Falconry and other issues involving Captive Birds of Prey and Owls,
xi) use of Metal Close Rings and Split Rings on captive birds throughout the UK and Europe, including allegations of Illegal Ring Tampering, plus use of other marking devices on both Captive Birds and Wild Birds, plus Scientific Bird Ringing (bird banding),
xii) Game Birds and Game Bird Management issues,
xiii) Shooting and other Destructive Methods involving wild birds, e.g. Pole Traps or other Spring and similar Traps,
xiv) Welfare and Behaviour of Captive Birds,
xv) UK, European and World CITES trade controls, including import or export.
By all means, get in touch for a free
initial discussion.
