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Horror Scene: Man Sentenced for Dead Birds, Hares
23 Jun
Summary
- Man sentenced for possessing dead birds and hares.
- Scene described as 'horror movie' with blood smeared on shop.
- DNA evidence linked defendant to the dead birds.
A father-of-three, James Kempster, was sentenced for possessing two dead birds of prey and 50 dead hares. The incident, which occurred on March 15, 2024, involved the wildlife being dumped outside Broughton Community Shop, creating what prosecutors termed a "horror movie scene" with blood smeared on the windows.
Kempster received a 15-month community order, including 30 days of rehabilitation, and must wear an electronic tag for six months. He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £650 in costs plus a £114 surcharge. DNA evidence from the barn owl and kestrel connected Kempster to the birds, although he was cleared of criminal damage related to the shop incident.
The court heard about Kempster's background, including leaving school at 12 and previous convictions for dishonesty and wildlife crimes. He maintained his innocence, suggesting he might have been framed amid a feud. CCTV showed masked individuals dumping the hares, with one smearing blood and placing the dead birds under the door handles before the getaway car was found burnt out.
