Video of alleged pig rapist Bradley O’Reilly questioned, case delayed

A witness has refused to give evidence in the case against a farmer who allegedly raped a pig.

Bradley O'Reilly has been caught on camera allegedly performing a horrific sexual act on an innocent pig at Midland Bacon in Carag Carag.

A witness has objected to giving evidence in the case against a farmer accused of raping a pig on the basis of possible self-incrimination.

Bradley O’Reilly fronted the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court for a voir dire on Wednesday charged with bestiality.

A voir dire is a pre-trial procedure used to determine issues relating to evidence.

Mr O’Reilly, of Carag Carag — who is on bail — was charged after he was caught on camera allegedly raping a pig at the Midland Bacon piggery on February 11, 2024.

Animal-rights activist and senior investigator for Farm Transparency Project Siena Callender, who allegedly obtained the footage, was called as a witness.

She objected as she had matters outstanding before the court which related to alleged trespassing, breaching biosecurity measures and installing an optical surveillance device

Magistrate Jarrod Williams said it was not in the interest of justice to have Ms Callender made to give evidence on Wednesday and ruled to have her matters heard before Mr O’Reilly’s.

Ms Callender will appear in court on August 18 and 19.

Midland Bacon Pty Ltd is based at Carag Carag.

The voir dire for Mr O’Reilly was then adjourned to December 8 and 9.

The court heard the prosecution would have to prove the admissibility of a police interview, an audio recording from Mr O’Reilly’s arrest and car ride to Kyabram station and the video of the alleged offence.

After being handed the video on a USB by a member of the Farm Transparency Project, which police conceded had been improperly obtained, Campaspe detectives began an investigation.

On March 5, 2024 they arrested Mr O’Reilly and the court heard he made “full and frank” admissions during a police interview.

He was also shown stills of the video and agreed it was him.

Defence lawyer Douglas Shirrefs said the court would need to consider if the evidence was admissible and then consider if it should be included in following hearings.

Mr Shirrefs also raised concerns that one of the arresting police officers was unable to be in court on Wednesday to give evidence due to taking long term sick leave.

A special mention on September 2 was arranged to canvas that police officer’s availability for the December hearing and discuss any further issues.