A British taxidermist has been charged with hiding the bodies of a black bear, an orang utan and a host of exotic species in his freezer.

Simon Wilson will appear in court accused of keeping a dead endangered tiger for commercial gain.

He is also accused of illegally keeping a mandrill, a leopard skin, a peregrine falcon and an array of birds in the freezer at his workshop in Bovingdon, Hertfordshire.

The 49-year-old has been charged with seven offences linked to the trade of endangered species, as well as fraud and money laundering.

Mr Wilson, of Rickmansworth, will appear on bail at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday next week.

PA

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