A POWYS man has been charged with killing a protected bird of prey on his farm.

Thomas Edward Jones, 38, is accused of shooting dead a northern goshawk at his northern Powys pheasant farm on July 22 last year.

Jones, of Pentre Farm, between Meifod and Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa, appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 5, where the case was adjourned for two weeks.

Jones spoke to confirm his name, age and address, but both the prosecution and his defence agreed the case could not proceed due to an administrative issue. He was not asked to enter a plea at the hearing.

Jones faces one charge of killing a schedule 1 wild bird, an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

He is accused of intentionally killing the northern goshawk by shooting it dead.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said the request to adjourn the matter was a joint application.

Magistrates adjourned the case until September 19.