Gamekeeper admits killing protected goshawk
A gamekeeper in Perthshire has been fined and ordered to complete unpaid work after admitting to killing a protected bird of prey. Russell Mason, 49, caught the goshawk in a net and then struck it with a cosh in February 2024.
At Perth Sheriff Court, Mason pleaded guilty to the killing and was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work and fined £850.
The RSPB welcomed the conviction but expressed disappointment regarding the penalty imposed.
The court was presented with footage showing Mason killing the bird inside a crow cage trap, recorded during a surveillance operation.
Details of the incident
Fiscal depute Karon Rollo informed the court that goshawks are a rare species of bird of prey. RSPB staff reviewed camera footage and identified a male individual visiting the trap on 12 February 2024.
"At this time there was a goshawk and a crow in the trap,"
the prosecutor stated.
"The male opened and entered the trap. After entering he used a hand-held net to capture the goshawk and put it to the ground.
He then struck the bird six times with a cosh. He placed the bird into a carrier bag, rolled it up and put the package under his arm.
He left the trap, placed the net in the back of the vehicle and the bag in the cab. He locked the trap and drove off."
Police identified the man as Russell Mason.
An avian veterinarian specializing in raptors reviewed the footage and confirmed the goshawk appeared healthy prior to the attack. The vet noted the bird was not killed instantly with a single blow.
Mason admitted to intentionally or recklessly killing the goshawk on Cochrage Moor, Bridge of Cally, Perthshire. He also admitted breaching his firearms certificate conditions by failing to securely store ammunition at Milton of Drimmie, Bridge of Cally.
Consequences and remorse
The court was informed that Mason resigned from his role as an estate gamekeeper and lost his tied cottage residence.
Defence solicitor Paul Anderson stated Mason had also lost his shotgun licence and was seeking a new career path.
"His position is that he became frustrated. He walks into the trap. His position is that the goshawk had found its way into the trap on four separate occasions and on this occasion he lost his temper.
This was a legitimate trap. What is unlawful is the killing. He appears to have demonstrated a significant degree of remorse and regret for his actions."
Judge's remarks and reactions
Sheriff Mark Thorley addressed Mason directly:
"I can't quite understand why you did what you did and only you will know. Having seen the video I am non-plussed as to why the door was not simply opened to allow the bird to fly out.
This is a bird you, as a gamekeeper, will have been aware is a very limited species, which has recovered from extinction here and to destroy a bird like that I cannot understand."
RSPB investigations manager Ian Thomson commented:
"We welcome the conviction of Mr Mason and are pleased that our video evidence was again key in detecting a crime against one of our rarest raptors and in securing this result.
We are, however, disappointed that the penalty imposed will have little in the way of a deterrent effect on others considering committing similar offences."
Iain Batho, who leads wildlife crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, added:
"Russell Mason's brutal and wholly unnecessary actions resulted in the suffering and death of a rare and magnificent bird of prey."
