Jeremy Peckham refused bail at Darwin Local Court

A Malak man accused of breaking into Crocodylus Park and interfering with a baby crocodile has had his bail application struck out. What the court said.

Jeremy Peckham is alleged to have broken into Crocodylus Park on March 12, 2025.

A Malak man accused of breaking into Crocodylus Park and interfering with a baby crocodile has had his bail application struck out.

This week, Jeremy Peckham, 19, was arrested and charged with burglary, four counts of damage to property, two counts of trespass - entering without authority and a count of theft.

He was further charged with a count of take/interfere with protected wildlife, as well as learner driver - no person in front seat, drive without L plates when required, and driving, using/riding motor vehicle without consent.

Police allege Mr Peckham broke into the popular wildlife park before midnight on March 12, 2025, and allegedly forced entry into multiple buildings.

While inside police claim he took a baby crocodile from its enclosure and allegedly carried it around by the neck, and took selfies with it.

CCTV footage shows a man carrying the baby crocodile around the workshop, stopping multiple times to take pictures with the baby croc in hand before allegedly placing it on the ground and chasing it.

The burnt out Hilux which police allege Mr Peckham used to run over ducks and ram through gates. Picture: Emily Broomham.

It is also alleged Mr Peckham stole a Holden Rodeo utility, which was then used to ram through multiple gates and a fenceline.

A group of ducks was also allegedly mown down by the stolen vehicle.

The vehicle was later found burnt out at Casuarina Beach.

On Friday afternoon at Darwin Local Court, Mr Peckham appeared via video link supported by loved ones in the courtroom.

Mr Peckham’s lawyer said her client sought bail due to mental health and intellectual issues.

“Putting him in an adult prison in his current circumstances would be detrimental to his mental health,” she said.

The court heard Mr Peckham was also willing to receive “strict conditions”, including wearing an electronic monitoring device, abide by a curfew and refrain from alcohol and drugs.

The prosecution “strongly opposed” bail, claiming Mr Peckham had committed multiple offences against Crocodylus Park previously.

“(We have) grave concerns regarding whether any conditions can ameliorate the risk of the defendant reoffending.”

The prosecution said Mr Peckham was “trying to find an out”. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The prosecution also said Mr Peckham was “trying to find an out and take no responsibility for his actions”.

“At the time of the arrest, police note when they were speaking to Mr Peckham he stated, and I quote ‘can we apply for mental health or what?’”

Judge Julie Franz said she believed Mr Peckham to have legitimate mental health issues.

“It seems that he’s got some cognitive difficulties, but also mental health issues,” she said.

However, Judge Franz said she was concerned about the “protection of the community”.

“I’m not convinced that the presumption has been overcome in order to give him bail, so it’s with a heavy heart I refuse bail.”

Mr Peckham will return to court on May 6, 2025, for a directions hearing.

Originally published as Jeremy Peckham refused bail at Darwin Local Court