Gareth Jones has previously been barred from owning birds for the rest of his life.
A Sandwell man has been in court for keeping wild goldfinches in cages despite previously being barred from having birds for the rest of his life. In December, RSPCA officials from West Bromwich rescued four birds from a residence.
Gareth Jones and Kerry Aspbury, both of Anson Road, confessed to keeping live wild birds illegally on March 14 at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court. Following the execution of a warrant at their residence, the two were charged.
“A warrant was issued by police because to information that had been obtained regarding caught wild birds being held in captivity,” Vicki Taylor, who lead the RSPCA investigation, said. Three goldfinches were in a cage outside, in a brick outhouse, with a sweater covering portion of the top.” The three birds were flighty and flew about the cage with no rings on them. Another goldfinch with no ring lived in the dark cage inside the kitchen.” Gareth Jones, 36, pleaded guilty to a second charge of violating a lifetime ban on keeping birds imposed after a conviction in 2018. The suspension was reinstated, along with an extra ruling barring him from appealing for five years.
He was given a four-month suspended sentence and ordered to pay £470 in court costs. During the sentence process, his guilty plea was considered.
Kerry Aspbury, 33, was given a 12-month community service term with 20 days of community service. Costs of £485 were imposed on her. “Trapping or attempting to catch wild birds is prohibited under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and this form of trapping causes enormous misery and suffering to them,” RSPCA Inspector Taylor continued. Illegal wild bird trapping and trade has been a concern for a long time.
