Policeman took wild bird eggs

Former policeman pleads guilty to having over 600 wild bird eggs

by Natalie Gray
Former police officer Michael Upson who appeared before Norwich Magistrates charged in connection with the discovery of 650 wild bird eggs
Former police officer Michael Upson who appeared before Norwich Magistrates charged in connection with the discovery of 650 wild bird eggs Photo: ITV Anglia / David Bush

A former Suffolk police officer has pleaded guilty to possessing nearly 650 wild bird eggs while he was still in the constabulary.

Michael Upson had 65 eggs belonging to woodlarks, marsh harriers and Cetti's warblers - among the country's rare breeding species in the UK - at his home Brook House, Sotherton near Halesworth.

Norwich Magistrates court heard that the eggs were illegally taken from Dunwich and Westleton Heaths in Suffolk between 1993 and 1998.

Upson, 52, was a constable based at Suffolk Constabulary's training department in Martlesham.

It's understood he retired after the raid on his home on 21st June 2012.

The case has been adjourned until Thursday afternoon while magistrates consider the sentence. Upson has been released on unconditional bail. The maximum sentence for illegal possession of wild bird eggs' is 6 months imprisonment.

Part of the collection of wild bird eggs including woodlark eggs found at the home of Micheal Upson.
Part of the collection of wild bird eggs including woodlark eggs found at the home of Micheal Upson. Credit: RSPB
Raven eggs found at the home of retired police officer Michael Upson in Suffolk
Raven eggs found at the home of retired police officer Michael Upson in Suffolk Credit: RSPB