GAMEKEEPER BEATS RARE BIRD OF PREY TO DEATH AT PERTHSHIRE ESTATE
Russell Mason admitted killing a protected goshawk by bludgeoning it six times with a cudgel.He was captured on camera at Cochrage Moor, near Bridge of Cally, Blairgowrie, where RSPB Scotland officers installed a static camera to monitor crow traps.
Mason was seen unlocking the trap, capturing the goshawk, and striking it six times with a cosh, leading to a painful death.
The court heard the bird looked healthy before, and the injuries suggested it did not die instantly.
Mason also pleaded guilty to illegally storing firearms ammunition outside a secure container at his home.
His home was searched, and items associated with the killing — including the dead bird's carrier bag, net, and cosh — were seized, all DNA-matched to the goshawk.
Mason has a previous conviction for public indecency from 2012, and was on the sex offenders register.
He gave no comment during police interview, and sheriff Alison McKay deferred sentencing for background reports.
