Skull smuggler gets community service

Cobra snake wine, used as an aphrodisiac, and a 16-inch mummified crocodile penis were among the exhibits of a museum owner sentenced to community service yesterday for dealing in endangered species.

Cobra snake wine, used as an aphrodisiac, and a 16-inch mummified crocodile penis were among the exhibits of a museum owner sentenced to community service yesterday for dealing in endangered species.

Robert Hudson, 38, also had human skulls and a human penis, and was caught returning from Africa with skulls from protected animals. Airport customs men found three skulls belonging to baboons, four from other monkeys and one from a turtle in his suitcase.

When his shop and adjoining museum, in Newquay, Cornwall, were searched they discovered a dolphin skeleton hanging from the ceiling, Southwark Crown Court was told.

Hudson who lives above his shop called Puffedz had pleaded guilty to three counts of smuggling skulls into Britain and one of acquiring the skeleton for commercial purposes.

He appeared yesterday for sentencing. Not guilty verdicts on three other counts alleging the acquisition and sale of other primate skulls were entered.

Hudson was given 120 hours' community service on each of the three counts of smuggling skulls. He was also ordered to pay £1,500 court costs.