A man accused of slaughtering little penguins at Sulphur Creek will learn his fate on April 9.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Joshua Leigh Jeffrey has denied taking part in the penguin killings on January 1, 2016.
He has pleaded not guilty to one count each of:
- Aggravated cruelty to animals likely to result in death, deformity or serious disablement;
- cruelty to animals; and
- take, buy, sell or possess protected wildlife without authority.
In the Burnie Magistrates Court on Monday, police lawyer Harry Virs told magistrate Tamara Jago there had been evidence from a male youth that he and Mr Jeffrey both killed penguins with sticks.
“He made reference to a discussion about killing penguins,” Mr Virs said.
“He said they would hit any penguin they saw.”
Mr Virs said there was also evidence from two female youths that they saw Mr Jeffrey killing penguins.
Mr Virs also referred to pathology evidence that said seven penguins had been found with fractures consistent with blunt trauma.
In his closing submission, defence lawyer Greg Richardson told Ms Jago the evidence against Mr Jeffrey from the three youths was from people criminally involved or potentially criminally involved in the penguin deaths.
He said the three youths were trying to push responsibility onto Mr Jeffrey, who was not present when the penguins were killed.
Ms Jago reserved her decision until April 9.
She bailed Mr Jeffrey to appear on that date.
