Grandad, 78, facing trial after feeding the birds | UK | News

A grandfather will stand trial at a crown court and face possible prison time after being accused of breaching an order banning him from feeding birds in his hometown. Brian Wilkins, 78, was previously fined £2,000 after councilors complained he was passing out bread for pigeons and seagulls. hartlepoolCounty Durham.

Council officials blamed Mr Wilkins, known as Hartlepool’s Birdman, for the town’s vermin problem and took him there earlier. judges Mr. Wilkins was known to buy 30 loaves of bread a day for the birds.

He is now accused of failing to comply with a community order banning him from feeding wildlife.

Mr Wilkins is accused of breaching the order by leaving food for birds in Green Street, Hartlepool, on February 11.

The pensioner appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court at the beginning of May and was charged with one count of breaching the Criminal Conduct Order.

He was selected for trial by jury and on Monday, June 29, a two-day trial was set for August 9 next year.

A Criminal Conduct Order was made by magistrates on April 1 last year for throwing “excessive quantities” of bird seed and food from a car.

The law, which has been in place for two years, prevents Mr Wilkins from leaving food in public or accessible places in Hartlepool due to concerns of attracting vermin.

Mr Wilkins also previously fine Ordered to pay £250, a £100 surcharge and court costs of £1,826.

He risks prison time if convicted of violating the order.

Mr Wilkins, of Hartlepool, was released on unconditional bail.