Man sentenced for Shropshire wildlife crime

A man has been sentenced after he pleaded guilty to interfering with a badger sett in Shropshire.

Ryan Brennan, of Pen y Lan, Ruabon in Wrexham, was given a 10 week sentence suspended for one year at Kidderminster Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday 11 November).

The court heard how in January 2024 the 24-year-old found a badger sett near to Cockshutt in Ellesmere, and interfered with it by filling it in, which can cause the animal unnecessary harm and suffering.

An act such as this is illegal in the UK, as badgers are a protected animal under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.  

PC Jono Lightfoot, who led the investigation, said: “At West Mercia we take wildlife crime very seriously and will investigate any reports we receive of people interfering with protected animals, such as badgers.

“We are pleased with the sentence handed to Brennan by the judge, and we hope this sends a strong message to anyone who plans on carrying out wildlife crimes."

A good way to stay in touch with what’s going on in your community is to sign up to Neighbourhood Matters via our website Neighbourhood Matters | West Mercia Police.

12/11/2024 - sentence amended to one year suspended not two as previously published.

14/11/2024 - court amended to Kidderminster Magistrates' not Telford as previously published.

RJ, Corporate Communications