A RUNCORN man, who stole hundreds of eggs from endangered birds over a 15-year period, has been warned he could face prison.

Anthony Higham was described as one of the most active and serious egg collectors of very rare breeds of birds in the UK.

Higham, 39, of Malnesbury Park, Sandymoor admitted 13 wildlife offences between 1987 and 2002.

The prosecution said they were some of the most serious wildlife offences since the amendment of the wildlife act.

Tony Smith, prosecuting, said Higham targeted a large number of protected birds including Chuff, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon and Golden Eagle.

Mr Smith said: "Higham targeted these and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has concerns about all these species, especially the Chuff which is in large decline.

"This was deliberate and reckless.

"He planned it in meticulous detail.

"He was persistent. He was well aware of the risks."

Among his offences Higham stole seven clutches of Chuff eggs, four clutches of Opsrey eggs, 15 clutches of Peregrine Falcon eggs and five clutches of Golden Eagle eggs.

Other birds he targeted were Wild Sandwich Tern, Redshank, Little Tern and Harrier.

Mr Smith said Higham was also in the process of writing a book, which would be of use to egg collectors and he had in his possession 15 books on the subject.

Barry Hill, defending, said a pre-sentence report would be required.

Mr Hill said: "Realistically you would wish to keep all options open."

The case was adjourned until April 10 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared leaving all options, including prison, open.