“A man was found with four kestrel chicks in his car which had been taken from a Wolverhampton church, a court has heard.

The chicks had been taken from St Mary’s Church in Bushbury and stuffed inside a bag which was founded in Cogoo Sherman Bowen’s car.

The Whitmore Reans resident was fined and given a curfew order for being in possession of the two-week-old chicks.

Police were called to the church expecting to find metal thieves after receiving reports of activity on the church roof in Bushbury Lane.

At around 1.30am on June 19 they saw a car parked within the church grounds and Bowen was inside.

Officers could smell cannabis and searched the vehicle, where they discovered the chicks.

Prosecutor Mr Adam Weston yesterday told Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court: “Officers noticed a very strong smell of cannabis and searched the vehicle.

“They found no drugs but did find a bag that had four chicks in it.

“The chicks were taken for examination and a vet confirmed they were two-week-old kestrels.

“Following consultations with the RSPCA and a police wildlife officer the nest was located at the church.

Bowen, aged 38 and of Newhampton Road East in Whitmore Reans, pleaded guilty to possessing a wild bird under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Bowen was told to pay a £210 fine and adhere to a six-week curfew, meaning he has to stay in his home between 7pm and 7am each night.”

Read the full story at: http://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2013/09/11/man-found-with-four-kestrel-chicks-from-wolverhampton-church-in-car/