Case Law Database

Crimes that affect the environment

Species Involved

• Rare Birds (Gold Cheeked Gibbon, Eagle Owl, Saker Falcon, Brahminy Kites)

Details

• Undocumented/unlicensed conduct
• CITES protected species

R v Humphrey

Fact Summary

The appellant was convicted of 22 offences of unlawfully importing or dealing with animals and birds of endangered species. The appellant was concerned in importing 23 birds of prey in two suit cases. A search of his premises resulted in the discovery of various other birds and animals, including a gibbon, a golden eagle, and various other birds of prey. Sentenced to a total of six and a half years' imprisonment.

The sentencing judge imposed sentence on the basis that the appellant was well aware that his activities were against the law and that they were committed for profit. Some of the birds had been treated with cruelty and one of the rare birds (gibbon) was from an extremely rare breed. The Court agreed with the judge's observation that the sentence should send a clear message to others minded to commit similar offences.

Judgment:
The Court had come to the conclusion that some modest reduction could be made in the sentence; the total sentence would be reduced to five-and-a-half years' imprisonment.

Sentence Date:
2003-06-23

Cross-Cutting Issues

Liability

... for

• completed offence

... based on

• criminal intention

... as involves

• principal offender(s)

Offending

Details

• occurred across one (or more) international borders (transnationally)

Involved Countries

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Thailand

Procedural Information

Legal System:
Common Law
Latest Court Ruling:
Appellate Court
Type of Proceeding:
Criminal
 
Proceeding #1:
  • Stage:
    first trial
  • Court

    • Criminal

    Outcome

  • Verdict:
    Guilty
  • Sentences

    Sentence

    Term of Imprisonment:
    6 years 6 Months
     
  • Decision Appealed:
    Yes
  • Proceeding #2:
  • Stage:
    appeal
  • Court

    • Criminal

    Description

    Appeal admitted. Sentence reduced from six and a half years' imprisonment to five and a half years' imprisonment.

     

    Sentences

    Sentence

    Term of Imprisonment:
    5 years 6 Months
     

    Defendants / Respondents in the first instance

    Defendant:
    Raymond Leslie Humphrey

    Charges / Claims / Decisions

    Defendant:
    Raymond Leslie Humphrey
    Charge details:

    The appellant was convicted of 22 offences of unlawfully importing or dealing with animals and birds of endangered species.

    Court

    Court of Appeal

    Attachments