A LEYTONSTONE couple who were prosecuted for neglecting their pet snake have said 'strongly refute' claims they let the animal die.

Abid and Saeeda Hussain, of Webster Road, were handed a 10-year ban on keeping reptiles after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to the royal python.

But they say they had only owned the snake for about a month and that the chronic skin condition from which it was suffering could have been present before they bought it.

The couple say expert evidence given at Waltham Forest Magistrates' Court suggested the skin infection could have started 'one month ago or more'.

They say the evidence also suggested the snake had not eaten for 'some considerable length of time, probably in excess of four weeks.'

The couple added they repeatedly sought advice from a local pet shop and were told the snake was shedding its skin and that it could go without eating for some time.

They say they were also advised not to touch it during this time.

The family also have other pets and added that RSPCA inspectors’ reports described these animals as 'bright and alert'.

They say they did not know the animal was suffering at any point and would have sought veterinary if they had.

The Hussains describe the incident as 'just one minor mistake which resulted in the unfortunate death of the animal'.

RSPCA inspector Dawn Avery has said the snake 'looked as if it had been burnt' and that the skin condition could not have been missed 'because of the smell'.

The snake was found dead at the Hussains' home in February this year.