1 month ago
Last Updated: August 09, 2024, 12:53 IST
Zoologist Adam Britton. (Photo: X)
Britton, a leading zoologist, pleaded guilty to 56 charges linked to bestiality and animal cruelty
Renowned British crocodile expert 53-year-old Adam Britton has been sentenced to jail for 10 years and five months in Australia months after he confessed to sexually abusing dozens of dogs.
According to a report on British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Britton, a leading zoologist, pleaded guilty to 56 charges linked to bestiality and animal cruelty. He also admitted to four counts of accessing child abuse material.
The Northern Territory (NT) Supreme Court heard the 53-year-old filmed himself torturing the animals until almost all died, and then shared the videos online under pseudonyms.
According to reports, the prosecutors told the court that Britton has had a ‘sadistic sexual interest’ in animals and in particular dogs since at least 2014. They said the man used to torture animals in his “torture room” until their death, record acts and post the material online.
In an unusual move, Chief Justice Michael Grant, alarmed by the horrifying and ‘grotesque’ nature of Britton’s crimes, requested that both the public and security staff vacate the courtroom before the prosecutors presented the details of the case.
Who is Adam Britton?
Britton, who grew up in UK’s West Yorkshire before he moved to Australia 20 years ago, is a leading zoologist who has worked with the BBC and Geographic on productions. He held an academic position at Charles Darwin University in northern Australia for many years.
He was arrested in April 2022. He once hosted British broadcaster David Attenborough at his home. The proceedings in this case have been adjourned until December for the sentencing phase.
How Britton Got Dozens of Dogs?
Britton lured a trap through an online marketplace platform to get dogs from dog owners. He utilized the platform to specifically target pet owners in the Darwin region, many of whom were reluctantly seeking new homes for their pets due to work or travel obligations.
When contacted by pet owners seeking updates on their former pets, Britton would construct a ‘false narrative,’ assuring them that the animals were in good health and even sending them outdated photos.
According to the prosecution, Britton maintained a Telegram account through which he communicated with “like-minded individuals.”
Under various pseudonyms, Britton would post videos and images of himself sexually exploiting the dogs on online forums.
