Former UK special forces soldier jailed for stealing rare falcon eggs for wealthy Arab buyer
By APThursday, August 19, 2010
Ex-UK soldier jailed for stealing rare falcon eggs
LONDON — A former special forces member has been jailed for attempting to sneak out of the U.K. with a stash of 14 rare peregrine falcon eggs destined for a wealthy Arab buyer.
Jeffrey Lendrum had was trying to smuggle them to Dubai, where falconry is a national sport and such eggs can fetch 5,000 pounds ($11,000) each.
But the 48-year-old was caught when a cleaner at Birmingham International Airport noticed him making frequent visits to the shower in Emirates airline’s business class lounge.
Police found the eggs secreted in socks which he’d strapped to his body in an attempt to keep them warm.
He had at first claimed they were store-bought chicken eggs used to treat his bad back, but eventually pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Thursday.
