A MAN is due in court on Friday to face a charge of intentionally injuring a wild bird, namely a common buzzard, on the Isle of Wight.
John Winn Roberts, 43, of Strabane, Northern Ireland, was arrested by police on November 26 for the suspected offence at a quarry on St George's Down, Newport.
The buzzard is fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to kill, injure or take a buzzard, or to take, damage or destroy an active nest or its contents.
Mr Roberts was charged on January 4 following an investigation led by Isle of Wight-based Hampshire Constabulary Country Watch and wildlife crime officer PC Nick Massey.
Police have expressed thanks for the support and assistance of the RSPCA's Isle of Wight Inspector Mark Buggie, and the management of Bardon Vectis, which runs the quarry where the alleged offence took place.
Mr Roberts remains on bail until Friday when he is due to appear at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court.
Reporter: jamiew@iwcpmail.co.uk