Plea for video in wildlife probes

Wi ldl i fe crime probes should be able to use video, CCTV footage and social media to bring culprits to justice, according to MSPs.

The call by Holyrood’s environment committee came after a case of an alleged bird of prey shooting in Moray in 2013 was dropped because the Crown Office said last month that video evidence would not be admissable in court.

Committee convener Graeme Dey said: “There’s clearly an argument for the use of video, CCTV or social media to be considered.” MSPs are seeking guidance from the Crown Office.