Swan killing case dropped

12:40pm Monday 4th August 2008

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THE TRIAL of three Chesham men accused of killing 29 swans has been abandoned after crucial evidence was lost from a police station.

Stephen Barrett, 38, Marcus Walker, 51, and Darren Walker, 47, pleaded not guilty to killing the birds and were due to appear at Bedford Magistrates Court today.

However, the case has had to be dropped after the ammunition allegedly used to kill the animals was lost from Greyfriars Police Station in Bedford.

The swans were found in a mass grave at Radwell in Bedfordshire last October. They had all been shot.

Also found in the pit were a marsh harrier and a grey heron.

A joint statement has been released by Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Richer of Bedfordshire Police and Chief Crown Prosecutor Richard Newcombe.

It reads: "This case was significant and was taken seriously by police, RSPB and prosecutors.

"However the loss of ammunition from Greyfriars Police Station means it is believed that there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.

"A full review of the case will be conducted in conjunction with the RSPB who welcome this approach."

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds had helped to bring the case to court.

Ian West, head of investigations at the RSPB said: "We are bitterly disappointed and feel we have no choice but to make a formal complaint to Bedfordshire Police about the way this case has been handled.

Mute swans are protected birds. Anyone found guilty of killing them faces a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months in prison.