POLICE are hunting for a Canvey man following a massive swoop on an illegal songbird catching ring at an east London pub.

Richard Lotter, 56, is accused of being a wild bird catcher by the RSPCA, and police need to find him.

His name was read out in Thames magistrates court - and an arrest warrant issued for his arrest immediately after.

Meanwhile, during last Thursday’s court hearing, another Canvey man Husseyin Hamude, 55, denied possession of a goldfinch at The Bell public house in Leytonstone.

Previously, Adnan Icel, 54, of Southend, entered not guilty pleas.

Icel was not due to appear at the hearing and has been released on bail to appear for trial next year.

He denies all charges including possession of six goldfinches and offering them for sale at the pub.

He is also accused of having 165 goldfinches, five Siskins, 17 linnets, 3 yellowhammers - two of which were found dead and two chaffinches at an address in Southend.

He is also accused of possession of glue sticks to trap birds at the address.

At court George Vassallo, 73, of Poplar, East London, admitted possessing five goldfinches and having them for sale at the pub - where the gang allegedly met for illegal songbird trading sessions on Saturday mornings.

Lotter previously denied possession of 12 goldfinches and a bullfinch and having set aviary traps to catch wild birds at his home on February 2.

Speaking outside court, an RSPCA spokeswoman was pleased with the case coming to court. She said: “The illegal trapping and trading in wild birds has long been a problem.

“Taking a wild bird from its natural habitat and shutting it in a tiny cage is cruel.

“Keeping these wild birds in a small cage in unsuitable environments is detrimental to their welfare as well as restricting their natural behaviours.

“These birds can suffer immeasurably, not only physically but also mentally, and they often die shortly after being captured.

“The breeding and keeping of finches is legal provided the birds are captive bred and ringed and legally held in captivity. The possession or control of a wild bird, apart from certain exceptions, is an offence.

“Sadly, there is a market for trapped wild finches and people can make a profit out of this cruel practice.”