AN American couple who have moved to Aberaeron say their beloved turtle is being held as a “prisoner” after falling foul of over-zealous customs officials at Gatwick Airport.

Hector, a female box turtle thought to be around 70 years old, has been separated from owner Dr Brenda Llewellyn Ihssen and her husband Tim for over two months.

The couple have now launched a Free Hector campaign to finally get Hector rehoused at her new home on the Ceredigion coast.

In the meantime the disgruntled reptile remains stuck at Gatwick where staff have dubbed her ‘Miss Grumpy’.

“I’m 50 years old and I’ve had Hector for almost 30 years,” Dr Ihssen told the Cambrian News. “That’s the longest relationship I’ve ever had with anyone – including my husband!

“I’m in no way mad at anyone over what’s happened – I accept entirely that I made one mistake and that this is all my fault.

“I just feel deeply sad Hector’s not here with us - I’m missing her real badly.”

On landing at Gatwick from Vancouver on 22 June, an incredulous Mrs Ihssen, who started work as a lecturer at UWTSD Lampeter in July, was accused of attempting to smuggle an endangered species into the country.

“The facts would appear to tell a different story, as she carried the turtle on her lap as a carry-on in a bright-pink turtle carrier - hardly a smuggler’s modus operandi,” said Tim.

“What she does admit to is failing to fill out the third piece of paperwork required to bring her turtle into the UK.”

“The officials at Gatwick originally told us they would charge £200 until she was released to us; they have amended that to £200 per month," added Tim.

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