A taxidermist, from Kingskerwell, has admitted smuggling parts of endangered species in and out of Britain.

Daniel Stocks traded in parts of macaque and green monkeys, langurs, leopard cats, hornbills and chameleons from his business in Newton Abbot.

He had around £20,000 worth of illegal animal parts when his business was investigated by customs and police last year.

They included head, hands and other parts of animals which are protected by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Stocks, aged 42, of Vale Road, Kingskerswell, admitted fraudulently evading the restrictions on importing and exporting endangered species and two counts of keeping and selling specimens.

The total number of animals specified in the four counts is 229. The species are macaque, langur, green monkey, leopard cat, wreathed hornbill and veiled chameleon.

Mr Sean Brunton, prosecuting, said there may be an element of double counting, as some of the animals he admits importing are the same as those which he was selling or keeping.

He said:"The allegations are of importing, exporting or sale of about £20,000 worth of parts of animals which are protected by CITES."

Mr Nicolas Gerasimidis, defending, said:"The parts were used for taxidermy and vast majority were from macaques, which are not the most endangered species in the world.

"They can be seen running around Gibraltar all the time and in Indonesia they are treated as bush food and are served in restaurants.

"He was a dealing in parts, not whole animals, which would be an aggravating feature."

Judge Robert Linford adjourned sentence until next month and ordered a pre sentence report. He told Stocks that all options, including an immediate jail term, remained as options.