news, local-news, puppy, killer, court, police, kurri kurri, cruelty, animal, Nathan Thompson

Nathan Thompson, 25, from Kurri Kurri appeared at East Maitland courthouse on Friday in relation to the brutal deaths of nine puppies. Thompson pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated animal cruelty, serious animal cruelty and resist arrest. He was brought into the courtroom in cuffs after spending the night in custody. Prosecutors first asked magistrate Caleb Franklin to order the removal of a pregnant dog from Thompson's house. According to the prosecutor there was a pregnant dog in the home and the RSPCA wanted the dog removed from the house. The magistrate, Caleb Franklin, ordered Thompson to not purchase, acquire or take custody of an animal for a period of 10 years. He can not have an animal at his home, not be alone with or in the presence of an animal unless accompanied by an adult. Thompson agreed to these terms and to surrender the pregnant dog. During this part of the hearing a woman, animal welfare advocate Rachel Peach sat weeping at the back of the courtroom. She later spoke to the media and said the removal of the dog and a 10-year ban on animal ownership was a wonderful result, but she hoped for a strong conviction for Thompson. The police prosecutor Sergeant Justin Watson asked for bail to be refused due to the man's substantial criminal record and his resistance to arrest. Magistrate Franklin said due to his good record of court attendance, concerns could be mitigated. He was granted bail subject to conditions and the case was adjourned until April 28. Thompson faces a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment. The defence solicitor David Flemming said Thompson had no medical history of mental illness, but there might be underlying issues which would be documented in a report for the magistrate when the case returned to court.

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