JOBI LEE VAREY OF COLNE CAUGHT SHOOTING DUCKS WITH AIR RIFLE IN COTTON TREE LANE

In a recent incident that has raised concerns about wildlife protection and illegal hunting activities, Jobi Lee Varey, a resident of Blascomay Square in Colne, was involved in an unlawful shooting of two ducks using an air rifle. The event took place in the Cotton Tree Lane area of Colne, where local law enforcement officers observed Varey engaging in suspicious activity.

According to reports, officers saw Varey entering the nearby river to retrieve a dead bird, which he subsequently placed on the grass alongside another deceased bird. The scene suggested that Varey had been actively hunting birds in the area, despite it being outside the official duck shooting season. The authorities confirmed that Varey was in possession of an air rifle at the time of the incident.

It was revealed during the court proceedings that Varey had no permission to shoot in that location and that his actions were carried out without regard for legal hunting regulations. The magistrates were informed that Varey’s activities appeared to be motivated by a desire to feed his bird of prey, as he reportedly frequents the area for bird shooting. This detail was used to highlight the context of his actions, which, although seemingly aimed at feeding, involved the unlawful killing of protected wild birds.

Varey’s connection to wildlife persecution is further underscored by his familial ties; he is the brother of Josh ‘Percy’ Varey, a notorious figure known for his involvement in the killing of cats and other wildlife. The court was shown a photograph of Jobi Lee Varey alongside his brother, emphasizing the troubling pattern of wildlife-related offenses within the family.

During the court hearing, Varey’s legal representative argued that his client’s actions were not malicious but rather a result of ignorance. The lawyer stated that Varey had previously obtained permission to shoot rabbits and that his recent actions were not intended as an illegal act but were carried out without full awareness of the law.

Nevertheless, Varey admitted to killing two wild birds, specifically a Manky Mallard and a Mandarin duck, on April 17, 2018. The court found him guilty of these offenses and imposed a fine of £200. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £30 victim surcharge, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed the illegal hunting activities in Colne. This case underscores ongoing concerns about wildlife protection and the need for stricter enforcement of hunting regulations in the area.