diff --git a/twisted/plugins/cowrie_plugin.py b/twisted/plugins/cowrie_plugin.py
index ba3cb082..286b8538 100644
--- a/twisted/plugins/cowrie_plugin.py
+++ b/twisted/plugins/cowrie_plugin.py
@@ -39,9 +39,6 @@ import sys
 import configparser
 
 from twisted._version import __version__
-if __version__.major < 17:
-    raise ImportError("Your version of Twisted is too old. Please ensure your virtual environment is set up correctly.")
-
 from twisted.python import log, usage
 from twisted.plugin import IPlugin
 from twisted.application.service import IServiceMaker
@@ -60,6 +57,13 @@ import cowrie.core.checkers
 import cowrie.telnet.transport
 import cowrie.ssh.factory
 
+
+
+if __version__.major < 17:
+    raise ImportError("Your version of Twisted is too old. Please ensure your virtual environment is set up correctly.")
+
+
+
 class Options(usage.Options):
     """
     This defines commandline options and flags