Joel Kerim: Fate looms for Bega Valley man who sexually assaulted horse

A man who admitted to having sex with his horse on his South Coast farm has prompted a judge to turn to the Old Testament when discussing sentencing options.

Joel Kerim arriving at Bega District Court. Picture: Tom McGann

A man who made full admissions to having sex with his horse on his NSW South Coast farm has prompted a judge to look to biblical teachings when discussing sentencing options.

Joel Kerim, 30, fronted Bega District Court on Thursday, after previously pleading guilty to four counts of bestiality, one count of producing bestiality material and one count of disseminating bestiality material.

The “serious” charges stem from acts committed by Kerim at his Frogs Hollow farm in 2023, where he sexually assaulted his 17-year-old mare, Gemma, on multiple occasions.

Court documents reveal Kerim – who arrived at the coastal court donning a black cap, sunglasses and mask in a bid to hide his identity from the media – committed the acts on the horse once in January, twice in March and once in August.

The case was set for sentencing before Judge Andrew Haesler SC on Thursday, but a last minute miscommunication regarding Kerim’s sentencing assessment report delayed proceedings.

Joel Kerim will be sentenced in Bega District Court. Picture: Tom McGann

However, the court still received submissions from the Crown and Kerim’s defence barrister, John Masters, who said a psychological report had been completed.

When discussing Kerim’s ultimate punishment, Judge Haesler said full time custody was not off the table, with the Crown strongly advocating for such.

Joel Kerim previously pleaded guilty to his bestiality charges. Picture: Supplied

But, in a brief moment of confusion given the “strange nature” of the offending, Judge Haesler suggested he may need to look to the bible.

“Think Leviticus 18:23,” he said, citing the Old Testament verse which reads “You shall not have sexual relations with an animal, defiling yourself with it; nor shall a woman set herself in front of an animal to mate with it; that is perverse”.

Court documents reveal Southern Police District detectives unearthed images of the bestiality involving the horse during investigations in 2023.

Police searched the Bega Valley farm on January 16, 2024, and seized a number of electronic devices and photographs, before Kerim was arrested and charged.

Joel Kerim arrived at court in a cap, glasses and mask. Picture: Tom McGann

He was granted bail in the community, and remains on bail.

The court also heard Kerim’s wife, Mickayla Kerim, was allegedly involved in the acts.

However, she has denied any association with the bestiality, previously pleading not guilty to four counts of bestiality, charged on the basis she did not commit the offence, but was present and encouraged or assisted in its commission.

Kerim’s judgment will be handed down by Judge Hasler later this year, while his wife will face trial in October.

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