FIFE MAN SENTENCED FOR TRADING BODY PARTS FROM ENDANGERED ANIMALS - BBC NEWS
A Fife man who pleaded guilty to trading in body parts from endangered animals has been sentenced to 160 hours of community service.Steven Paterson, 47, from Glenrothes, pleaded guilty to four charges in March at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.
He was caught when the UK Border Agency found his website, which sold animal parts he had bought on the internet and shipped from abroad.
It is the first case of its kind in Scotland.
He was also caught during the 18-month investigation selling a green turtle and a sperm whale tooth.
Items included a harbour porpoise skull.
Craig Harris, the Crown Office's head of wildlife and environmental crime unit, commented: "The illegal trade of plant and animal specimens contributes to wildlife depletion, bringing some species close to extinction.
We will pursue those involved in illegal wildlife trading.
Online trade does not offer criminals immunity.
Prosecutors will collaborate with partners to combat endangered wildlife crime."
