On August 8, 2024, a former crocodile expert was sentenced to over a decade in prison for his appalling acts of animal cruelty.
Adam Robert Corden Britton, who once had a respected career in Darwin, was found guilty of 56 crimes related to the torture and sexual exploitation of more than 42 dogs on his rural property.
The verdict was delivered by the Darwin Supreme Court, where Britton received a sentence of 10 years and five months with a non-parole period of six years, starting from his arrest in April 2022.
Chief Justice Michael Grant did not hold back in his description of Britton’s crimes, labeling them as “grotesque cruelty toward animals.” He emphasized that Britton’s depravity went beyond ordinary human comprehension and mandated a lifetime ban on owning or having mammal-type animals.
This decision drew emotional reactions from the courtroom, with many members of the public visibly distressed as the details of Britton’s violent offenses, which led to the deaths of 39 dogs including nine puppies, were revealed.
Defense and Reactions
Britton’s defense attorney, who has requested anonymity due to personal threats, argued against the lifetime ban, suggesting it was excessive. She proposed that Britton should be allowed to own non-mammalian animals and that the lifetime restriction was not necessary given his potential for rehabilitation.
Despite this, animal advocates have expressed strong disapproval of the sentence. Emma Hurst, MP for the Animal Justice Party, condemned the verdict as “pathetically weak,” pointing out the link between violence against animals and future harm to people.
Britton’s Apology and Reflection
In court, Britton read an apology, taking full responsibility for his actions.
He expressed deep regret for the pain he caused to animals and those around him, citing his struggle with a rare paraphilic disorder that he claimed prevented him from seeking help sooner.
Britton vowed to seek long-term treatment and strive for redemption, while also requesting privacy for his family, who were unaware of his crimes.
Legal and Public Concerns
The Crown prosecutor argued for a lifetime ban on mammal ownership, citing the persistent nature of Britton’s paraphilia.
The prosecution’s stance was that there remains a significant risk associated with Britton’s condition, warranting stringent measures to protect the community and other animals.
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