A FORMER owner of the National Birds of Prey Centre, in Newent, appeared in court last week accused of illegally selling rare birds, making over £12,000 for himself.

Keith Beaven, 67, now of Birchfield in Staunton, was at Cheltenham Magistrates Court facing up to 13 charges of theft and fraud. Beaven issued no plea as he stood accused of borrowing rare birds of prey before selling them on for up to £12,500.

He bought the famed Centre in 2004, before selling it back to previous owner Jemima Parry-Jones in 2008. She and the centre are not connected to this case.

He is accused of loaning birds from zoos across the country between 2007 and 2010, for a breeding programme that he claimed to be operating.

He will to return to Cheltenham magistrates on October 9th at 10am for a committal hearing.