Police raid uncovered owl heads in jam jars

Man used parts of rarebirdstomake witchcraft trinkets

Body parts of endangered birds were found after a police raid on the house of a man who sold artefacts and trinkets for white witches and shamen.

Gordon Taylor, who now lives in Midlothian, used a cupboard in his Inverness home as a workshop for his website – Wild Wizard Crafts – to make the items.

Using the name Kai Seidr, the 46-yearold had two barn owl heads in jam jars, a pendant made from a tawny owl’s foot and another artefact made from a buzzard’s wing.

He also had bags containing feathers from all three species, some of which were also made into items he wanted to sell online. All of them could have sold for a total of £695.

Yesterday at Inverness Sherriff Court, Taylor, whose address was given as Leyton Drive, Inverness, admitted possessing the specimens of the birds and keeping them for sale, contrary to the Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations. He was fined £750.

Depute fiscal David Morton told Sheriff David Sutherland that Taylor faced either a fine or a maximum 12 months in prison for the offence.

He added that it was not suggested Taylor was responsible for the death of the birds.

He went on: “There is an international agreement between governments with its aim to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

“Species are classified according to the risk they face.”

Mr Morton said that the three raptors were included on the class A list of species threatened with extinction.

The prohibitions include purchase for sale, offer for sale or keep for sale specimens of any of the species without a certificate.

Mr Morton said that Taylor did not have a certificate of permission.

Defence solicitor Clare Russell said: “My client’s position is one of ignorance but it is no defence in law. He did not know about the required certificates to have these items.

“He is more than aware now of the legislation. He had purchased the various items to which he was not entitled and kept them for sale.”

Sheriff Sutherland told Taylor: “This is quite a reduced charge from what you originally faced.

“Given this and your absence of record in recent years, I will impose a financial penalty, but it is a serious matter.”

My client’s position is one of ignorance. CLARE RUSSELL SOLICITOR

Gordon Taylor, leaving court yesterday, had body parts of endangered birds in his home.