Reptile catcher Allan Robert Forbes ordered home detention assessment after entering guilty pleas
A loose-bowelled snake breeder has faced court over new animal cruelty charges, pleading guilty and receiving a stern warning from a magistrate.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A reptile catcher and breeder – previously convicted of 55 counts of animal cruelty – has pleaded guilty to two counts while all other charges have been withdrawn.
On Tuesday, Allan Robert Forbes appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in front of Magistrate Justin Wickens where it was heard that “matters have resolved”.
“I can indicate that Mr Forbes can enter a guilty plea to count one and six … and I believe the remaining counts will be withdrawn,” Forbes’ defence counsel told the court.
Forbes, 45, pleaded guilty to illegally keeping eight protected animals at his Morphett Vale property – as well as the ill treatment of an animal – between November 18, 2023, to November 27 2023.
In January, Forbes appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court where Magistrate Maria Panagiotidis granted him bail but with strict conditions.
The strict bail conditions included that Forbes not have any protected animals in his custody – apart from his and his wife’s three pet dogs.
“You are forbidden from acquiring or having custody of any protected animals as that term is defined in section five of the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1972,” Ms Panagiotidis said.
“This does not include your three pet dogs.
“Please understand that ‘I forgot, I didn’t realise or I thought it would be okay’, all of those sorts of excuses aren’t going to wash.”
In December, the 45-year-old was found guilty in his absence of 55 counts of having ill-treated an animal.
The Environment Department alleged Forbes, a reptile breeder, kept 55 protected species in separate enclosures without a permit.
Forbes, meanwhile, accused the department of “taking my reptiles” and “selling off my snakes” after seizing them. The court heard this did not occur.
During a trial for his initial 55 charges, Forbes abruptly left the courtroom to use the bathroom, claiming he had diarrhoea and needed an ambulance.
Forbes didn’t appear in court again and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On Tuesday, Magistrate Wickens ordered a home detention assessment for Forbes – who will next appear at the Adelaide Magistrates Court in April.
Home destroyed in devastating blaze
A huge fire has torn through a Meningie property, leaving an eye-watering damage bill and a home destroyed.
Sacked private school teacher wins legal battle against college
A teacher at a prominent South Australian school had a legal win over his former employer after he was sacked from his position of more than 15 years.