GARY PRIDDLE'S TRAGIC NEGLIGENCE IN BROADMEADOW LEADS TO THE DEATH OF RARE GIANT TORTOISES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Broadmeadow and the surrounding Exeter area, Gary Trevor Priddle, born December 1967 and residing at 4 Grecian Way, Broadmeadow, Exeter EX2 5PF, has been convicted of causing the death of ten rare giant tortoises through neglect and abandonment. The incident, which unfolded over several days during one of the coldest periods of late 2023, has raised serious concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners.

Priddle, who is an electrician and co-director of Phase Electrical South West Ltd alongside his wife Karen Priddle, admitted to the charges after investigations revealed his failure to provide adequate care for the tortoises. The authorities began their inquiry in January 2024 when the first of the deceased tortoises was discovered abandoned in the woodland near East Devon, specifically around Ashclyst Forest. Over the following weeks, additional bodies of the giant tortoises were found, prompting a thorough investigation into their origin and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

During the proceedings at Exeter Magistrates Court, it was revealed that Priddle had not checked on the animals for a period of six days during a particularly harsh winter spell in late December 2023. At that time, the heating system meant to keep the tortoises warm had broken down, and the animals were left vulnerable to the freezing temperatures. The judge, Mr. Justice Smith, expressed his disapproval, emphasizing that the tortoises were entirely dependent on Priddle for their survival. The judge noted that Priddle had previously described the tortoises as his 'pride and joy' and had a history of rescuing and rehabilitating such creatures.

Despite this, Priddle was accused of prioritizing personal festivities over the well-being of the animals. The court heard that members of the public, alarmed by the discovery of the dead tortoises, contacted authorities. The initial report came from staff at the nearby Killerton estate, who found the carcasses and raised concerns. Following a police appeal, a witness who had visited Priddle’s residence—initially with the intent to purchase property—suspected that the tortoises might have come from his collection. This led investigators to link the animals directly to Priddle’s care.

In a state of panic following the deaths, Priddle reportedly placed some of the tortoises in his car and left them in woodland areas in the days that followed. It was also revealed that he possessed a significant number of other tortoises at the time, all of which have since been removed from his custody. The rare Aldabra tortoises, valued at approximately £10,000 each, are among the few remaining giant tortoise species in the world, with only about 400 believed to be living in Europe. These tortoises are critically endangered, with only two species remaining globally—the Aldabra and the Galápagos.

The Aldabra tortoise, a male, can live up to 200 years, weigh around a quarter of a tonne, and have shells that can exceed one meter in length. The loss of these animals is considered a significant blow to conservation efforts. Priddle faced charges under the Animal Welfare Act and the Environmental Protection Act, specifically for neglecting to check on the animals’ welfare and maintaining the heating system, which ultimately led to their deaths between December 23 and 29, 2023.

In sentencing, Priddle received a 12-month community order, which includes 50 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay court costs of £199. Additionally, he was handed a ten-year ban on keeping tortoises, reflecting the seriousness of his neglect and the importance of safeguarding such rare species from future harm.