Runway Devon tortoise found after 16-day adventure

A leopard tortoise has finally been apprehended after 16 days on the run.

In what might be the slowest jailbreak ever, Shelley, a 20-year-old, 40lb (18kg) reptile vanished from her pen in Shillingford Abbot, near Exeter, on 9 July.

She was discovered in a farmer’s field near the Orange Elephant, close to the A379 near Kennford, about 2.8 miles (4.5km) away as the crow flies.

“She was spotted by the farmer who thought she was a big rock,” said owner Nick Phillips. “Luckily, he realised rocks don’t usually move and gave us a call.”

Shelley returned home in good spirits, although with a suspicious lack of appetite.

“We tried runner beans, cabbage, cucumber, the full Monty,” Mr Phillips said.

“She wasn’t interested. I’ve no idea what she’s been eating, but clearly it wasn’t salad.”

The escape route had now been reinforced.

“There was a little chink in the armour, just some chicken wire,” he said.

“That’s all patched up now. If she wants out again, she’s going to have to give it some really serious thought.”