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Man admits seal pup killing spree Man clubbed 21 seal pups to death
(about 5 hours later)
A fisherman has been warned he could be jailed for clubbing 21 grey seal pups to death on a remote Shetland island.A fisherman has been warned he could be jailed for clubbing 21 grey seal pups to death on a remote Shetland island.
Jimmy Stewart, a crewman on one of Scotland's biggest trawlers, admitted mutilating, beating and crushing the animals on 29 November. Jimmy Stewart, 47, a crewman on one of Scotland's biggest trawlers, admitted mutilating, beating and crushing the animals on 29 November.
The discovery on a beach on the island of East Linga was made by staff from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) who were carrying out a survey. The discovery on a beach on the island of East Linga was made by staff from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), who were carrying out a survey.
Sentence at Lerwick Sheriff Court was deferred until 25 March. Sentence at Lerwick Sheriff Court was deferred.
No explanation
Stewart repeatedly battered the heads of the seals with a wooden fence post.Stewart repeatedly battered the heads of the seals with a wooden fence post.
Defence solicitor Tommy Allan told the court his client could offer no explanation why he had killed the seals.Defence solicitor Tommy Allan told the court his client could offer no explanation why he had killed the seals.
Sheriff Graeme Napier warned Stewart that a custodial sentence was a possibility.Sheriff Graeme Napier warned Stewart that a custodial sentence was a possibility.
Charges against a second man also accused of being involved were dropped. Sentence was deferred until 25 March.
Stewart was warned he faced jail when he returns to court
Charges against a second man also accused of being involved, John Eunson, were dropped.
SNH welcomed the conviction.
John Uttley, SNH's area manager, said: "This is a shocking case. The degree of casual cruelty shows that there is still a great deal of ignorance and prejudice about grey seals.
"Of course we hope that this is an isolated case, but it is very difficult to obtain the evidence required for a successful prosecution, and suspicions have been raised in the past. Shetland's positive image depends to a large part on its wildlife, including seals.
"These animals help to attract people and business to the islands and many people feel a strong connection with them. Conflicts do sometimes arise with people's business but there are legitimate ways of resolving these."
He added: "The brutality described in today's case towards wildlife besmirches Shetland's reputation as a place which treasures its nature and wildlife and we are pleased to see the court respond accordingly."
A Northern Constabulary spokesman said: "It was a thorough investigation into a serious case of cruelty to animals which was followed by a robust prosecution.
"As a force, we are committed to a proactive approach to wildlife crime. It will not be tolerated."