A breeder of exotic birds, jailed for smuggling endangered parrots, was back in court this week to face further charges.

Harry Sissen, 61, who was sentenced to two-and-a-half years, appeared before a judge at Newcastle Crown Court on six new counts relating to rare birds.

It follows news, revealed in The Northern Echo on Friday, that the North Yorkshire breeder is to appeal against his sentence, after he was found guilty in April of illegally importing three rare Lear's macaws and six blue-headed macaws into the UK.

Prior to his conviction, Sissen was a highly-respected breeder, who helped to ensure the survival of some of the world's most endangered species.

He maintained his innocence throughout the three-week trial, but a jury found him guilty by a majority verdict, after seven-and-a-half hours' deliberation.

He hopes that the High Court, in London, will find in his favour when he appeals in November, but the latest charges will ensure he faces further legal battles, regardless of the outcome.

The new allegations include three counts of fraudulent evasion of importation of goods, a single charge of fraudulent evasion on the purchasing of goods and two charges of selling prohibited specimens.

The hearing, on Monday, was adjourned for a confiscation hearing, which will take place at a Crown Court in the North-East next year.

It is not yet known whether the new charges will have any effect on Sissen's remaining birds.

Customs confiscated 139 rare birds in a raid on his home in East Cowton, in April 1998. It is understood that the birds are at various aviaries and zoos, although the family hopes that one day they will be returned