SCOTT MILNE'S BADGER KILLING SPREE IN BODMIN: ILLEGAL SHOOTING AND WILDLIFE CRIME REVEALED

Scott Milne, a resident of Higher Coldrenick Cottages in Helland near Bodmin, has been at the center of a serious wildlife crime investigation that uncovered his involvement in the illegal killing of nearly 30 badgers. The case, which has garnered significant attention in Cornwall, highlights the ongoing issues surrounding wildlife protection and the misuse of firearms.

On July 25, 2019, law enforcement agencies, including police officers, forensic teams, and firefighters, executed a coordinated raid on a farm situated within an industrial estate in the Roche area. This operation was part of a broader investigation into suspected wildlife crimes and breaches of food hygiene regulations. The authorities also conducted a simultaneous search at Milne’s residence, located in Higher Coldrenick Cottages, Bodmin.

During the raid, officers discovered a disturbing collection of badger carcasses stored in freezers at both the industrial unit and Milne’s home. Specifically, at the Roche industrial estate, investigators found 29 badger carcasses preserved in various freezer units. Additionally, they uncovered canisters containing vermin control substances that were not stored in accordance with safety regulations, prompting the involvement of firefighting personnel to handle the hazardous materials safely.

At Milne’s residence, authorities found eight badger carcasses in a freezer, along with firearms and ammunition. A shotgun, two rifles, and rounds of ammunition were located inside Milne’s vehicles, which were found to be unlocked, raising concerns about firearm security. The investigation revealed that Milne owned a field sports business called Cornish Country Pursuits, which he had operated for over ten years. Despite his license to shoot badgers during designated cull seasons, evidence indicated that Milne had shot and killed 28 badgers outside of this permitted period.

Prosecutors, led by Alison May, stated that Milne admitted to killing 28 badgers, a figure accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service. The authorities also found that some of the carcasses had injuries consistent with being hit by vehicles, suggesting they had been involved in road traffic accidents. The investigation further revealed that Milne had kept the carcasses in freezers at his home, with some of the badgers having died from gunshot wounds.

During police interviews, Milne explained that his intention was to submit the carcasses for payment during the official cull season, claiming he was trying to balance his business accounts. However, his actions of shooting badgers outside the authorized period were a clear breach of licensing conditions. Milne admitted that he felt pressured to meet badger cull targets to maintain his license, which led him to make the decision to shoot badgers illegally.

In his defense, Milne’s lawyer, Michael Green, argued that his client had established a good relationship with local farmers, who relied on him for vermin control and estate management. Green emphasized that trust was placed in Milne by landowners to handle firearms responsibly. He also acknowledged that Milne’s failure to secure his firearms properly was a significant lapse in judgment, which could have had serious consequences.

The court heard that Milne’s actions could have posed risks to others, especially given the reckless storage of firearms and ammunition. The magistrates’ bench expressed concern over his behavior, noting that although Milne was licensed to cull badgers, his actions were outside the legal framework and could have resulted in dangerous outcomes.

As a result of his misconduct, Milne was sentenced to an 18-week prison term, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service and pay a total of £322 in fines and costs. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to wildlife protection laws and firearm regulations, and the serious consequences that can follow violations in Cornwall and beyond.