A SOUTHAMPTON man is set to stand trial after a falcon was found dead near Southampton General Hospital.

Dean Barrow appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court today (November 29) accused of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

It comes after a working falcon, used at Southampton General Hospital to scare off pigeons, was found dead in a garden.

READ MORE: Man summoned to court after Southampton hospital falcon found dead

Storm was fatally injured at the address in Coxford Road with police launching an investigation on July 4.

David Jones, director of estates at University Hospital Southampton, described the bird's death as distressing.

Barrow, 65, of Coxford Road, pleaded not guilty.

He has been granted bail to appear at Southampton Crown Court on January 6.

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