AN exotic bird expert jailed for smuggling parrots is to fight for the return of his birds.

Harry Sissen is to oppose attempts by Customs officers to confiscate the 139 birds seized in a raid on his North Yorkshire home in April 1998.

But the 61-year-old, who was jailed for two-and-a-half years in April after he was found guilty of illegally importing rare birds, is also facing a legal threat against the business he built up over 30 years.

A Customs spokesman said they had applied to confiscate assets belonging to Sissen.

He declined to specify the assets in question, but said they related to the bird-breeding business Sissen ran from his East Cowton home.

The confiscation hearing, expected to last five days, is due to take place in February.

Sissen has appealed against his conviction on the grounds he has not committed an offence under British law, with his appeal due to be heard on November 17.

He has also applied for legal aid to fight attempts by the National Investigation Service, (NIS) the criminal arm of Customs and Excise, to confiscate the birds seized. The case has been adjourned until his appeal against conviction is heard.

An NIS spokesman said: "The birds will be the subject of a condemnation hearing, but none of that will take place until the appeal he has lodged has been heard.

"We will apply to have the birds confiscated. They are with people who are equipped and have the knowledge to take care of rare parrots."

He declined to say what would happen to the birds if a confiscation order was granted.

l A report in Wednesday's Northern Echo said Harry Sissen had faced new criminal charges relating to rare birds. We are happy to point out that this was incorrect and apologise for any distress caused.