The 60-year-old from Newcastle was handed a conditional caution after officers caught the trap being deployed and pigeons inside.

The conditions of his caution required him to give up his trap used to commit the offence, apply for an individual licence through Natural England before carrying out any further actions and make a donation to a locally based conservation charity.

Detective Inspector Tim Boulton from Staffordshire Police said: “These offences are traditionally quite difficult to prove but swift work by officers ensured we caught the person responsible in the act.

“Staffordshire’s wildlife is supremely important and we’ll continue to work with groups, such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, in ensuring those creatures who call our county home are protected.”

Anyone who’s aware of anyone committing rural or wildlife crime is urge to contact Staffordshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: Staffordshire Police