Who is Adam Britton? Monster zoologist faces 249 years in prison for sexually abusing and killing 60 dogs

The final hearing of British crocodile expert Adam Britton, who is accused of cruel crimes against animals, was adjourned on Thursday. Britton, who faces a prison sentence of 249 years for raping, torturing and killing dozens of dogs in Australia, will now go on trial in August.

Last year, Britton pleaded guilty to more than 60 counts of animal cruelty. On Thursday, Judge Michael Grant of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory cleared staff and animal rights activists from the courtroom because of the potential psychological harm the footage could cause.

“In my opinion, the material is capable of causing nervous shock or other mental disturbances,” said Judge Grant. He described Britton’s actions as “grotesque animal cruelty.”

While awaiting the final verdict, Britton’s attorney submitted a new report detailing Britton’s mental state after nearly 30 hours of psychological treatment in prison. The attorney argued that remorse and insight into his actions were indicators of rehabilitation potential.

“Remorse is considered proof of the prospect of rehabilitation, as is insight,” said the lawyer. He requested a reduction in Britton’s sentence, pointing to a lifelong illness that contributed to his behavior.

Adam Britton, born in West Yorkshire in 1971, studied zoology at the University of Leeds and later completed his PhD at the University of Bristol. While working as a senior researcher at Charles Darwin University, Britton was charged with numerous offences, including animal cruelty and sexual abuse. He is also accused of possessing and distributing child abuse material and 37 counts of aggravated animal cruelty.

During the hearing, Britton’s defense claimed he was not fully responsible for his actions, citing a condition called “paraphilia” that existed during the two-year period in which he committed his crimes, The Sun reported.

What is paraphilia?

Paraphilia is characterized by abnormal sexual behavior or impulses that involve recurrent intense sexual fantasies and urges, as defined by WebMD. Individuals with paraphilia may engage in sexual activities with unusual objects, activities, or situations that are not normally found sexually arousing by others. This condition can cause significant distress and have serious social and legal consequences.

Britton’s crimes included torturing and killing dogs in his home in Darwin, Australia, and recording the acts. He had a “torture room” in a shipping container where he sexually abused the dogs.