A parrot breeder jailed for smuggling rare birds into the UK three years ago has taken his case to the High Court.

Harry Sissen has maintained his innocence since his home was raided by Customs and Excise officials in May 1998.

A total of 141 rare and endangered birds were seized from his farm in East Cowton, North Yorkshire, and he was later jailed for 30 months for smuggling, lowered to 18 months on appeal.

But Mr Sissen, considered to be one of the best breeders in Europe, is now seeking a judicial review and said new evidence had come to light that will help his case.

Former Conservative leader William Hague, MP for Richmond, said the parrot breeder had a strong case.

Mr Sissen said: "I think they thought I would have given up a long time ago. I am very angry and bitter about what has happened.

"All I have to do is think of my beautiful birds and that gives me tons of driving force."

Though the review, which must be given the go-ahead by a High court judge before a hearing is allowed, will not quash his conviction, it will challenge a condemnation order made by Customs.

The condemnation order allows his 141 cockatoos, parrots and macaws to remain at the zoos and bird gardens they were sent to after they were seized.

Solicitor Mike Schwarz said: "It has been a traumatic time for both him and his family, it has been going on for several years.

"I think we have got a good argument."

His lawyers are arguing that Judge Guy Whitburn should not have overseen an appeal bid by Customs to overturn a previous court decision that Mr Sissens could keep some of the birds.

Judge Whitburn had been the judge presiding at the smuggling trial at Newcastle Crown Court in 2000.

They will also argue that Mr Sissen was not allowed to submit new evidence to the court at the appeal hearing.

Mr Hague said: "I have asked for further details of the case and I am very sympathetic to his situation. He appears to have a strong case."

Nobody was available from Customs and Excise last night.