A MAN from North Swindon has been found guilty of killing wild birds in his garden.

Edmond Ephgrave, 25, from Abbey Meads would wait until the birds landed on a bird table and then shoot them with an air rifle. He would then proceed to photograph the corpse before posting the pictures on social media.

He was not targeting any particular species and posted pictures of dead robins, field fares and long tailed tits. The pictures would also include his air rifle alongside an admission he had killed the birds.

He was reported to the police after a member of the public saw the pictures and reported him to local officers.

The man has been convicted by the court of nine counts of killing wild birds, fined £250, and made to pay a victim surcharge of £27 and £85 court costs. His air rifle will be destroyed.