Badgers killers start appeal

Badgers killers start appeal

Four men convicted on DNA evidence yesterday launched an appeal against their five-month jail sentences for killing a badger. Garry Shaw, 29, of Rowsley, Derbyshire; Michael Holland, 32, of Chaddesden, Derby; David Wragg, 32, of Kilburn, Derbyshire; and 38-year-old Russell Pettipierre, of Alderwasley, Derbyshire, were convicted by Bakewell magistrates last September. They deny joint charges of killing a badger, digging for the animal, and interfering with a sett.

At the end of the prosecution case at Derby Crown Court yesterday, Judge James Orrell quashed Shaw's conviction after a defence submission that he was only a spectator.

The appeal was adjourned until today.