Shop owner sold stuffed endangered species

A shop owner has been convicted of selling stuffed endangered animals and illegal ivory goods.

Justin Grimshaw, 71, pleaded guilty to 12 offences at Boston Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Following a tip-off, Lincolnshire Police searched Pendragon Antiques in Red Lion Street, Spalding, in May 2024. Officers found taxidermy creatures, including kestrels and a pine marten.

Grimshaw, of Spalding Road, Pinchbeck, was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months, fined £500, and must pay costs and a £239 surcharge.

He was charged under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulation 2018 and the Ivory Act 2018.

Officers found for sale a taxidermy pine marten, a barn owl, a kestrel on a branch, a kestrel in a case, a sawfish, an ivory picture frame, an ivory sphinx/lion figure and an ivory and silver presentation trowel.

In August, police searched both the shop and Grimshaw's home and found a tiger tooth, which they had seen on video footage in a glass display cabinet.

Further research revealed three sawfish items on sale online between June 2019 and January 2024.

When interviewed in March, he said he did not know the items could not be sold.

Det Con Aaron Flint, the force's wildlife crime officer, said unregulated trade in "endangered species in the UK has a devastating impact on wildlife populations around the world".

He added: "Iconic species continue to be illegally killed every day, making it vital that those fuelling this appalling trade are held accountable.

"I hope this message underscores the gravity of these crimes and serves as a strong deterrent to anyone considering involvement in such unlawful activity."

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