No charges brought after three falcon eggs crushed

No further action will be taken against a man who was seen destroying three peregrine falcon eggs on the roof of a cathedral, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

Last year, a BBC Three Counties Radio listener named Beverley told presenter Roberto Perrone that she "felt sick" as she watched Alban and Boudica's eggs being destroyed on a live stream from St Albans Cathedral.

"He stepped on the eggs and just kept walking," she added.

A CPS spokesperson said: "Our prosecutors worked with police to establish the circumstances and, after carefully reviewing the evidence, we determined that it did not meet our legal test and no further action will be taken."

Hertfordshire Constabulary said its rural operational support team had carried out a thorough investigation and a man was interviewed in relation to the incident.

A spokesperson from the force said: "We recognise the strength of feeling surrounding this incident, particularly given the protected status of peregrine falcons, and understand the disappointment this decision may cause.

"However, charging decisions are made independently by the CPS and are based on strict legal tests."

Peregrine falcons are protected under laws such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally destroy their eggs or disturb nesting birds.

The cathedral said it was "disappointed with the CPS' decision not to prosecute but is pleased that the matter was investigated fully and has now concluded".

This month four eggs were laid by Boudica at St Albans Cathedral.

Her and Alban first nested at the cathedral in 2022 and a popular online video stream was launched the following year.

In the last four years, the breeding pair have successfully raised 10 chicks, with sightings of their offspring in Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Hampshire - and most recently in London Colney, just outside St Albans.

In 2024, some 519,882 people viewed the live feed, with the most popular day being 9 May when 12,598 tuned in to see three newly hatched chicks.

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.