A man who stole wild birds including goldfinches and bullfinches by snaring them in a funnel traps has been placed under curfew.

Scott Henderson, 50, admitted possession of the wild birds when he appeared before magistrates.

The court heard Henderson of Morello Close, Swanley, admitted having five goldfinches in June and used not only funnel traps, but clap nets and cage traps as officers found them at his home.

Henderson admitted three charges under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 when he appeared in the dock at Medway Magistrates' Court.

The bench was told he was found with the live birds in June when Kent Police entered a premises in Swanley under warrant, accompanied by two RSPCA officers and a bird expert after receiving a tip-off.

Inside they found illegally trapped wild birds and a number of traps in his garden.

RSPCA Inspector Carroll Lamport said: “When we went upstairs, we found a bank of cages in a back bedroom.

"The cages contained a bullfinch, a greenfinch and five goldfinches, some of which appeared in poor condition.

"We also found bird-ringing paraphernalia.

“Outside, the garden was set-up with a variety of bird-trapping equipment, including cage traps, a funnel trap and clap nets.

"There were also seed patches - areas of the garden growing wild and sown with exotic plants used for feeding British birds - designed to lure in wild birds so they could then be easily trapped.

“We are very pleased this man has been brought to justice.

"The bench recognised the seriousness of the offence, describing it as ‘horrendous and calculating."

Sgt Darren Walshaw of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, added: “The Rural Task Force worked alongside the RSPB and RSPCA to conduct a search warrant at Henderson’s home in Swanley.

“At the property we found a number of birds being kept in cages and evidence of trapping of wild birds.

“The RSPCA put together a strong case which resulted in a guilty plea at court."

Henderson was placed on a three month curfew which means he has to be at home between 8pm and 8am each day for the period.

He was also ordered to pay £300 costs.