In passing the two and a half year sentence, Judge Guy Whitburn said: " In bringing this case to court you have shown you are a liar and a hypocrite.

"You compiled a devious and elaborate scheme to smuggle into this country those rare birds. You have previous convictions for smuggling birds, and nothing less than a substantial custodial sentence can be justified to send out a clear message to those who are tempted to emulate you."

Sissen was found guilty of illegally importing three Lear’s Macaws and six blue-headed macaws into the U.K under the Customs & Excise Management Act 1979.

He was also charged with illegally selling a palm cockatoo and hyacinthine macaws, but was cleared of those charges on the orders of the judge.