A well-known British crocodile expert has been sentenced to a substantial prison term for his horrifying acts of animal cruelty. Adam Britton, a zoologist based in Darwin, Australia, was handed a 10-year and five-month prison sentence for raping, torturing, and killing numerous dogs.
Britton, 52, admitted to 56 charges of bestiality and animal cruelty in the Northern Territory Supreme Court last September. He also pleaded guilty to four counts of accessing and distributing child abuse material, according to reports by the BBC. The sentencing of Britton faced several delays, but he was ultimately given a life ban from owning or purchasing animals.
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The court heard that Britton’s crimes involved the brutal torture and exploitation of 42 dogs, with 39 of them dying as a result. He recorded his heinous acts inside a shipping container on his property. Britton will not be eligible for parole for six years, as reported by ABC.
“Grotesque and unspeakable,” says Chief Justice
Chief Justice Michael Grant described Britton’s crimes as “grotesque” and “unspeakable.” During the sentencing, he excused court officers due to the disturbing nature of the evidence and warned the public gallery that the details of the case could cause “nervous shock or other adverse psychological reactions.”
Despite his reluctance, Judge Grant deemed it necessary to provide a representative overview of Britton’s actions for the sentencing process. The court had previously been informed of Britton’s “sadistic sexual interest” in animals, especially dogs. Britton had not only tortured his own pets but also acquired animals from unsuspecting pet owners in the Darwin area.
Prosecutor Marty Aust explained that Britton often built a rapport with dog owners, who were sometimes compelled to rehome their pets due to travel or work commitments. This manipulation allowed Britton to access more animals for his abusive practices.
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