The farmer from Castril, Granada, who was accused of killing an osprey through the use of poisoned bait has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, although the sentence has been suspended after the defendant agreed not to re-offend for the same period.
The farmer, 68 year old J.G.G., was caught by SEPRONA officers in May 2008 as he was setting traps containing poisoned meat as bait and was duly imprisoned.
The trap resulted in the death of an osprey, recently released into the area as part of a reintroduction programme.
The Public Prosecutor had been requesting a fine of €3,600 and disqualification from hunting or fishing for a period of three years.
In the first case of its kind in Europe, the Council and the Fundación Gypaetus brought a private prosecution, demanding a €6,000 fine and a three year jail term.
J.G.G. was found guilty as charged at the Criminal Court of Justice Number 4 in Granada and sentenced to 18 months in prison, banned from hunting or fishing for 18 months and also banned from holding public office for the same period. He had been charged under Articles 336 and 338 of the Penal Code.
The sentence was suspended for two years after the defendant agreed not to re-offend during this period.