Hartlepool ‘Bird Man’ Back In Court Over Alleged Feeding Ban Breach..

Bird Feeding Ban Row Returns To Court As Hartlepool Pensioner Faces Charge

Council Feeding Ban Case Returns To Court As Pensioner Faces New Charge..

29th May 2026

A Hartlepool pensioner known locally as the town’s “Bird Man” is due to appear before Teesside magistrates court today after being charged with allegedly breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order imposed following earlier action linked to the feeding of wild animals.

Brian Wilkins is expected to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 29 May 2026, accused of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order after allegedly dropping food for animals in Green Street, Hartlepool.

The charge states that on the 11 of February 2026, Mr Wilkins, without reasonable excuse, dropped food for the purpose of feeding animals, allegedly breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order made on 1 April 2025 contrary to section 339(1) and (2) of the Sentencing Act 2020.

Mr Wilkins had previously been made subject to the order following complaints that his repeated feeding of wild animals was causing a public nuisance. Earlier proceedings heard claims that large amounts of food, including bread, pet food and biscuits, had been left in public areas, with concerns raised that the practice was attracting vermin.

Several local businesses were said to have complained about the impact, while others locally have previously argued that the case raises questions about proportionality and whether criminal proceedings are the right response to the actions of a pensioner feeding birds and wildlife with the news of the case reaching international attention as far as the United States.

Hartlepool BC was previously criticised about the use of public funds to prosecute the pensioner, with his previous court costs being met by a crowdfunding campaign

The case has already attracted significant public attention in Hartlepool, with Mr Wilkins previously being fined and ordered to pay court costs. Those costs were later paid following an online crowdfunding campaign after members of the public rallied behind him.

Today’s hearing is understood to be Mr Wilkins’ first appearance in relation to the latest alleged breach. At this stage, he's not expected to enter a plea.

If convicted of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order, the court has a range of sentencing powers available to it. In more serious cases, breach of such an order can lead to custody, although the court may also consider alternatives including a financial penalty or community-based sentence, depending on the facts of the case and any mitigation advanced.

The case however is likely to reignite debate in Hartlepool over where the line should be drawn between public health enforcement, nuisance complaints, animal welfare concerns and the criminalisation of behaviour some residents may view as meremy 'eccentric' rather than harmful.