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Egg thief told to expect prison Egg thief told to expect prison
(10 minutes later)
A professional egg thief who illegally collected thousands of bird eggs has been told he faces jail.A professional egg thief who illegally collected thousands of bird eggs has been told he faces jail.
Richard Pearson, 41, from Phelps Place, Cleethorpes, Lincs, was found with more than 7,000 eggs, described as an "Aladdin's cave" by the prosecution.Richard Pearson, 41, from Phelps Place, Cleethorpes, Lincs, was found with more than 7,000 eggs, described as an "Aladdin's cave" by the prosecution.
At Skegness Magistrates' Court, he admitted five charges of illegally stealing and possessing the eggs.At Skegness Magistrates' Court, he admitted five charges of illegally stealing and possessing the eggs.
The court heard the haul was one of the largest since legislation in 1981 to protect the eggs of wild birds.The court heard the haul was one of the largest since legislation in 1981 to protect the eggs of wild birds.
Pearson had earlier admitted stealing five chough eggs and three peregrine falcon eggs from Pen y Parc in Anglesey in April 2005.Pearson had earlier admitted stealing five chough eggs and three peregrine falcon eggs from Pen y Parc in Anglesey in April 2005.
'Aladdin's cave'
He also admitted stealing four barn owl eggs from a site near Saltfleet, Lincolnshire, that same month.He also admitted stealing four barn owl eggs from a site near Saltfleet, Lincolnshire, that same month.
The prosecution described Pearson's home as an Aladdin's Cave of eggs
Some of the rarest eggs included those of a red-necked phalarope and a Montagu's harrier.Some of the rarest eggs included those of a red-necked phalarope and a Montagu's harrier.
There are around 30 red-necked phalaropes living in the UK. The Montagu's harrier is just as rare.There are around 30 red-necked phalaropes living in the UK. The Montagu's harrier is just as rare.
Pearson pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the possession of 21 dead birds and egg collecting paraphernalia that was found at his home.Pearson pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the possession of 21 dead birds and egg collecting paraphernalia that was found at his home.
Prosecuting counsel David Outterside said: "Mr Pearson has in effect admitted to being a professional birds' egg thief who operated at the highest end of one of Britain's most destructive natural pastimes.Prosecuting counsel David Outterside said: "Mr Pearson has in effect admitted to being a professional birds' egg thief who operated at the highest end of one of Britain's most destructive natural pastimes.
"His house was an Aladdin's cave, full of illegal birds' eggs. Officers found both eggs and birds protected by the Countryside Act.""His house was an Aladdin's cave, full of illegal birds' eggs. Officers found both eggs and birds protected by the Countryside Act."
When police officers and inspectors from the RSPB raided his home they discovered 7,130 eggs, 653 of which were from the most protected species in the UK.When police officers and inspectors from the RSPB raided his home they discovered 7,130 eggs, 653 of which were from the most protected species in the UK.
Officers also found dozens of data cards and diaries, detailing where and when he had found the eggs.Officers also found dozens of data cards and diaries, detailing where and when he had found the eggs.
They also seized including a rubber dinghy, waders, climbing spikes, syringes, cameras and satellite navigation systems.They also seized including a rubber dinghy, waders, climbing spikes, syringes, cameras and satellite navigation systems.