Prosecutors said a masked man dumped the carcasses of 50 hares, a barn owl, and a kestrel outside Broughton Community Shop in Hampshire. James Kempster, 39, of Totton, Hampshire, is on trial at Southampton Magistrates' Court for two counts of possessing a dead wild bird and one count of criminal damage.
The incident occurred at 3:23 AM on March 15, 2024, and lasted about three minutes, according to major media reports. Kempster was identified through DNA evidence, phone tracking data, and clothing matching CCTV footage. He was not wearing gloves during the incident, major media reported. William Hacking, a volunteer at the shop, discovered the scene shortly before 8 AM.
Two other men were involved but have not been charged, major media reported. The silver Suzuki Vitara used by the group was later found burned out about three-and-a-half miles from the shop.
Kempster denies the charges. The motive for the incident remains unknown, as does the origin of the dead animals. It is also unclear whether there was any prior connection between Kempster and the community shop. The trial is ongoing.