A MAN has been banned from keeping birds after he cruelly kept a wild goldfinch, which later died, in a cage.

Tyler Earwaker was arrested on suspicion of possessing a wild bird contrary to the Wildlife and Countryside Act after Sussex Police attended a property in Windmill Hill, Polegate, on January 23, 2022 and found the wild goldfinch locked in a cage.

The RSPCA attended and took the goldfinch into its care, but despite the best efforts of veterinary staff, the bird died 10 days later.

This was due to the distress it suffered having been taken from its natural habitat and caged, according to Sussex Police.

After being interviewed by officers from the rural crime team, the 22-year-old was charged and pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Earwaker, of Beatty Road in Eastbourne, was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a £95 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.

He was also given a community protection warning that instructs him not to trespass on any private land without the landowner’s written permission.

Earwalker was also banned for life from dealing in, keeping, transporting or arranging transport for any type of bird or wildfowl.

Police constable Carlo Leone, from the rural crime team, said: “The trade in wild songbirds such as this is a cruel one.

“Removing a wild bird from its natural habitat and placing it in a tiny cage for a person’s own amusement can cause the birds to suffer immeasurably, as happened in this case.

“We take offences against all animals incredibly seriously, and will not tolerate any behaviour which causes distress or harm to wildlife.”

Anyone who has information relating to wildlife offences is encouraged to report it to police online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.