Bat crime trials end in prosecutions

Mr. Ayob Bhailok, a solicitor from Preston in Lancashire, stood trial on two charges of destruction of bat roosts and has been found guilty in Prestatyn Magistrates Court, North Wales. He is now facing a £2000 fine with a 6 month conditional discharge.

Whilst in England at Colchester Magistrates court two companies, Hills Construction and North East Demolition pleaded guilty of destruction of a bat roost and were fined £2000 and £1500 respectively.

In both the English and Welsh cases buildings where bats were known to roost were demolished without obtaining a licence.

Read our Bat Blog to find out more of how our Investigations Officer Dr Kate Barlow was involved and what you should do if you suspect a bat crime http://www.batconservationtrust.blogspot.com/