A gamekeeper who trapped a protected bird of prey and clubbed it to death has avoided a prison sentence. Perth Sheriff Court was shown disturbing footage of Russell Mason capturing the goshawk in a net and striking it repeatedly with a cosh.
Court hearing and sentencing
Sheriff Mark Thorley spared the 49-year-old a custodial term, instead fining him and ordering unpaid work in the community. The sheriff expressed bewilderment at Mason's actions, noting that the bird could have simply been released.
Mason had resigned from his role as an estate gamekeeper and lost his tied cottage. His solicitor, Paul Anderson, stated that Mason lost his temper after the goshawk entered the trap on four separate occasions. He described the killing as unlawful but noted Mason's remorse.
Surveillance footage
The incident was captured during a covert RSPB operation. Mason entered the cage trap on February 12, 2024, netted the goshawk, and struck it six times with a cosh. He then placed the bird in a bag and left. A vet specializing in raptors concluded the bird was not killed outright and likely suffered painful fractures.
In addition to the killing, Mason admitted to leaving nearly 200 rounds of ammunition unsecured in his bedroom and vehicle, breaching firearms certificate terms.
Background and reaction
Goshawks are rare, with only around 100 breeding pairs in Scotland after being persecuted to extinction and reintroduced. Mason's case marks the sixth successful conviction for goshawk persecution since 2015. RSPB investigations manager Ian Thomson expressed disappointment at the penalty's lack of deterrent effect. Prosecutor Iain Batho emphasized the importance of protecting Scotland's natural heritage.
Sheriff Thorley fined Mason £850 and ordered 200 hours of unpaid work. Mason had previously been on the sex offenders register for public indecency.
