A grandad is facing a crown court trial and possible prison sentence after being charged with breaching an order banning him from feeding the birds in his home town. Brian Wilkins, 78, was previously fined £2,000 after councillors complained about him scattering bread for pigeons and gulls around Hartlepool, County Durham.
Town hall officials blamed Mr Wilkins, who is affectionately known as the Bird Man of Hartlepool, for the town’s vermin problem and hauled him before magistrates in April 2025. Mr Wilkins had been known to buy 30 loaves of bread per day for the birds.
He has now been charged for failing to comply with the community order banning him from feeding wildlife.
Mr Wilkins is accused of breaching the order by putting food down for the birds in Green Street, Hartlepool, on February 11.
The pensioner appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court earlier in May, charged with one count of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
He elected for a trial by jury and on Monday (June 29) a two-day hearing for August 9 next year was set.
The Criminal Behaviour Order was made by magistrates on April 1 last year for throwing down “excessive amounts” of bird seed and food from a trolley.
It is in place for two years and prevents Mr Wilkins from leaving food in any public space or accessible places in Hartlepool due to concerns around it attracting vermin.
Mr Wilkins was also previously fined £250, ordered to pay a £100 surcharge and court costs of £1,826.
If he is found guilty of breaching the order, it carries the risk of prison.
Mr Wilkins, of Hartlepool, was granted unconditional bail.