'Birdman of Hartlepool' appears at Teesside Magistrates' Court accused of breaching order
An animal enthusiast has appeared in court accused of breaching an order not to feed wildlife in Hartlepool.
Brian Wilkins, known locally as the Birdman, attended Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning.
He is charged with one count of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order made by the court on April 1 last year.
The two-year order stated Wilkins was not allowed to leave food in any public space or accessible places in Hartlepool as it attracts vermin.
He is accused of breaching it on February 11 this year when it is alleged Wilkins was captured on CCTV in Green Street dropping food from bags on to a path and grass edges.
He pleaded not guilty to the offence and elected for a trial by jury in the crown court.
Wilkins, of Sheriff Street, Hartlepool, was previously prosecuted by Hartlepool Borough Council after it received numerous complaints from residents and business about his actions which were said to attract rats.
He was convicted by the court in April of repeatedly flouting council warnings and orders by putting down large amounts of bread and biscuits around the town.
Wilkins argued the animals would starve to death if he did not feed them. He was also fined £250 by the court in April and ordered to pay the council’s costs.
If convicted of breaching the Criminal Behaviour Order he faces being given a community order up to 26 weeks in prison.
Wilkins was granted unconditional bail to appear next at Teesside Crown Court on June 29.