At Carlisle Crown Court on 22nd July 2016, Shane Ball 27yrs, of Derwent Avenue , Workington pleaded not guilty to four charges contrary to the Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations.

The proceedings are the result of an investigation by Wildlife Officers from Cumbria Police and the National Wildlife Crime Unit. Officers identified Ball who had posted various adverts on the internet for items containing parts and derivatives of Annex ‘A’ species. Annex ‘A’ species receive the highest level of protection and trade in such species is strictly controlled. A search warrant was executed at Ball’s home in July 2015 and a number of ivory carvings were seized.

Ball faces charges relating to the prohibited purchase and sale of a Leopard skin and the prohibited offering and keeping elephant ivory for sale.

A trial due to last 4 days will commence at Carlisle Crown Court on 16th January 2017.