DETAILS of the sale of 2,000 eggs of endangered species of birds were uncovered on a former collector's secret computer records, a court heard.

Computer crime investigators opened files seized from the home of Michael Terence Davidson to reveal a transaction of £750 for the eggs.

Durham Crown Court was told two computer discs containing the information were found hidden under a carpet in the bedroom at Mr Davidson's home in Lanton Street, New Herrington, near Sunderland, in a joint raid by police and an expert from the RSPB, in March 1999.

Mr Davidson claimed the reference to the sale of the eggs was just "fantasy", to make his journal appear "more interesting".

The 57-year-old bird enthusiast admitted having previously owned the eggs, but told investigators he had just given away his collection.

Mark Styles, prosecuting, said the eggs were all of birds of prey and endangered species, including peregrine falcons, golden eagle, osprey and black kite.

He denies three counts of selling eggs of endangered species, between August 18 and November 20, 1996.

Mr Styles told the jury: "The prosecution would say it's hardly surprising he didn't want investigators to gain access to his computer because it would reveal details of his involvement in the sale of the eggs of birds of prey.

The trial continues