Conviction for bat crime in Scotland

On Thursday 18th December 2014 Mr Gregor Smyth, a lettings leader for CKD Galbraith property consultancy in Stirling, appeared before Stirling Sheriff Court where he pleaded guilty to an offence of deliberately or recklessly obstructing access to a roost of soprano pipistrelles. He was fined £240.

The court heard that in April 2013 a contractor working under the instructions of Mr Smyth visited a cottage in Drymen, where wire was placed in entrances to a maternity roost used by up to 500 pipistrelles. A neighbour who then asked Police Scotland to investigate witnessed the work.

In his defence Smyth said that he was unaware of the need to obtain a licence prior to undertaking such work. It is of concern to BCT that Mr Smyth who is a senior figure within GKD Galbraith was unaware of the legal protection offered to bats.

This is the first conviction for bat crime in Scotland for several years and whilst regretting the need for such prosecutions BCT would wish to thank all those involved in investigating and prosecuting this case.

Further information about Bat Crime available HERE

Contact: Joe Nunez jnunez-mino@bats.org.uk or 0207 820 7168 for more information, images and interviews. (Out of hours: 07984 545 531)