Adam Britton, a British zoologist known for his expertise in crocodiles, faces 249 years in prison in Australia on charges of raping, torturing, and killing over 60 dogs. The final hearing was postponed after his lawyer presented new evidence.
The NT Supreme Court hearing, presided by Judge Michael Grant, was adjourned when Britton’s lawyer submitted a fresh report. The case will resume in August. Britton had previously pled guilty to more than 60 counts of animal cruelty.
Before the hearing began, Judge Grant asked staff and animal rights activists to leave the courtroom due to the disturbing nature of the evidence. “In my assessment, the material has the potential to cause nervous shock or some other psychological disturbance,” he stated, describing the acts as “grotesque cruelty to animals.”
Defense’s new evidence
Britton’s lawyer introduced a new report highlighting his mental state after undergoing “nearly 30 hours of treatment by a psychologist” in prison. The lawyer argued that Britton’s remorse and insight could indicate potential for rehabilitation. “Remorse is considered evidence of rehabilitative prospects, as is insight… They are things that often evolve with treatment,” he stated.
Appeal for leniency
The defense sought a reduction in Britton’s sentence, citing his lifelong struggle with a psychological condition. “This is a human being who has been afflicted by a condition since very early childhood… It is not his fault,” the lawyer argued, emphasizing the taboo nature of the condition and the difficulties Britton faced growing up with it.
Case details
According to an ABC report, Britton’s crimes included torturing and killing dogs at his home in Darwin, Australia. He recorded these acts and kept a “torture room” in a shipping container where he sexually assaulted the animals.