A British crocodile expert and zoologist who has appeared on National Geographic and Discovery Channel documentaries has admitted to sexually abusing and killing dozens of dogs in Australia, as well as possessing child abuse material online.
Adam Britton, 46, pleaded guilty to 60 charges of bestiality and child abuse material in the District Court of South Australia on Monday. He will be sentenced in December and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Britton filmed himself torturing and killing dogs that he obtained from online platforms or his own pets, according to the prosecution. He used electric shocks, knives, hammers and other weapons to inflict pain on the animals before sexually assaulting them. He also accessed child abuse material online, including images of infants being sexually abused.
“The offending is so serious that it is difficult to find words to describe it,” Judge Liesl Chapman said. “He was living a double life. He was living a life as a respected scientist and he was living another life as a person who was engaging in this most depraved conduct,” prosecutor Emma Roper said.
Britton’s lawyer Mark Twiggs said his client was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. He said Britton had a history of childhood sexual abuse and had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. “He was a man who had everything going for him. He was highly intelligent, highly respected in his field of work, he had a good income, he had a partner who loved him,” Twiggs said.
Britton is a renowned crocodile researcher who has worked in Australia for more than 20 years. He is the founder and director of Big Gecko Crocodilian Research, a company that provides consultancy and education services on crocodile management and conservation. He has also been involved in several research projects on crocodile ecology, behaviour and genetics.
In a letter to the court, Britton expressed his remorse and shame for his actions. “I’m sorry for what I’ve done. I’m sorry for the hurt I’ve caused everyone. I’m sorry for the shame I’ve brought on myself,” he wrote.
Relevant articles:
– Adam Britton: British croc expert admits sexually abusing dogs, BBC News, 26 September 2023
– British Crocodile Expert Adam Britton Admits Bestiality in Graphic Trial, The Daily Beast, 26 September 2023
– British crocodile expert Adam Britton admits sexually abusing and killing dozens of dogs in Australia, MSN, 26 September 2023
– Zoologist Adam Britton guilty of bestiality, animal abuse and possessing child exploitation material charges, New York Post, 26 September 2023