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The owner of the Raven Haven bird sanctuary in Crowthorne has been given two suspended sentences for drugs offences and wildlife crimes.

Stephen Burns, 58, of Sandhurst Road, Crowthorne was given a six month sentence suspended for 18 months at Reading Magistrates' Court on Friday, July 22 for 42 counts of animal related crime.

He was also ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work, pay £1080 costs and has been banned from taking in any new birds at Raven Haven for 12 months.

On Friday, June 3, 2016, he also received an 18 month sentence, suspended for two years for drug crimes. at Reading Crown Court, after pleading guilty at Slough Magistrates' Court on March 9, 2016.

The bird sanctuary in Sandhurst Road was raided by Thames Valley Police on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, in a joint operation with the RSPCA, local vets and DEFRA.

After executing a warrant officers seized 180 birds from the site.

Some were in such a poor state from untreated injuries, including open fractures to their legs and wings, they had to be humanely destroyed on site by a vet.

Burns was arrested during the search after 70 cannabis plants were found being grown in a bedroom with 9kg of dried cannabis ready for sale.

He pleaded guilty to charges of cultivating cannabis and possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Burns was found guilty of 25 offences of keeping the birds in unsuitable housing and 17 offences of failing to protect an animal from pain, suffering, injury or disease.

PC Ian Whitlock, the wildlife crime officer who led the investigation, said: "I am pleased with the outcome of this investigation. This case highlights the need for legislation to regulate these privately run animal rescues centres.

“I hope that this will send a clear message to owners of other rescue centres that they need to ensure that they comply with their legal obligations under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Animal Welfare Act."