Man jailed after stealing more than 700 rare birds eggs

A man has been sentenced to six months in jail after being caught in possession of more than 700 rare birds’ eggs- stealing them from nests across the UK.

Matthew Gonshaw

, 49, pleaded guilty to 10 offences that included the theft and possession of rare birds’ eggs – including 12 precious golden eagle eggs. Gonshaw has previously been jailed three times for similar offences and was found to have a quantity of specialist equipment at his home – such as climbing equipment, camouflaged clothing and maps that contained the nesting spots of birds.

Met Police officers found the equipment with the 714 birds’ eggs during a search at Gonshaw’s home in Bow, East London.

“This is one of the most serious cases of wildlife crime I have had to investigate,” said PC Stephen Rodgers. “Gonshaw's actions directly jeopardise Britain's wildlife and his obsession with collecting eggs threatens some of our rarest and most precious species. We hope that this result here at court sends out a clear message that, together with our partners from the RSPB, we will work to protect Britain's birds for future generations.”

RSPB representative Mark Thomas said: “Stealing the eggs of eagles and osprey is amongst the worst wildlife crimes possible in the UK. It is clear the current powers available to the court have had very little impact on this individual, who has been jailed three times previously.”