Update from Bearing Witness for Wildlife - Conservation Wildlife Crime Project

Two bat crime cases referred for consideration of a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation order

In December 2017 we released information regarding a conviction for bat crime in Dorset. On Thursday 25^th January a second defendant pleaded guilty to destroying the same roosts. We are still not at liberty to disclose full details of the case as it has been referred to Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing and for consideration of a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation order. This is the second case this week where a developer has pleaded guilty to destroying bat roosts. Earlier this week Sevenoaks Magistrates Court referred a case to Maidstone Crown Court for the same reasons. We will report fully on these matters when the cases have been concluded.

For further information about the project: http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/bearing_witness_for_wildlife_-_conservation_wildlife_crime.html

Visit to No10

On Wednesday 24th January BCT's investigations officer Pete Charleston was a member of a delegation from Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL) who visited 10 Downing Street to meet with Sir John Randall, the Prime Ministers special advisor on the environment. The need for the effective recording of wildlife crime as set out in WCL's report. (https://www.wcl.org.uk/wildlife.asp) was discussed in what was a very productive meeting.

To find out more about the Bearing Witness for Wildlife project see: http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/bearing_witness_for_wildlife_project.html

For Bearing Witness for Wildlife - Conservation Wildlife Crime Project see: http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/bearing_witness_for_wildlife_-_conservation_wildlife_crime.html

To donate to the work by the Bat Conservation Trust see: https://www.justgiving.com/bats

Related story: Development company plead guilty to bat roost destruction in Kent http://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/nwcu-police-press-releases/development-company-plead-guilty-to-bat-roost-destruction-in-kent/