A Brisbane animal conservation volunteer who attempted to have sex with his pet German shepherd has been banned from having unsupervised contact with dogs.
Aidan Ronald O’Brien, 37, pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court to one count of attempted bestiality after police found two photographs showing him attempting to have sex with his dog, Penny, in front of a mirror.
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When confronted by officers, O’Brien denied he would ever do that to his dog.
Crown prosecutor Bianca Rapisarda said police also found photographs of O’Brien “with a stuff animal fox wrapped around his erect penis”, the Courier Mail reported.
“(He has) committed abhorrent and depraved offending, where he preyed on the defencelessness and vulnerability of his pet for his own sexual gratification,” Ms Rapisarda said.
Officers also uncovered “numerous dildos in the shape of various animal genitalia” and “animated animal porn” during the raid.
O’Brien’s barrister, Nathan Elridge, told the court his client had no criminal history, was genuinely remorseful and had good prospects of rehabilitation.
“I concede that this is repugnant … disastrous offending in terms of his life,” he said.
“(It is) an aberration against his otherwise exceptional character and the contributions that he’s made to those who know him and to the community more generally.”
Judge John Allen rejected the suggestion that the offending represented a complete departure from O’Brien’s character.
“It was motivated by firmly held perverse interests, rather than being a complete aberration,” Judge Allen said.
“The offending is perplexing because … the background (material) shows that you are intelligent and socially and occupationally very functional.
“In sentencing you, I’ve taken into account … that you already suffered considerable shaming for your conduct, having been shunned by persons who know you.”
O’Brien was sentenced to two years’ probation and banned from having contact with dogs unless supervised.
No conviction was recorded.
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