RICKY MCWEE FROM HOLT FACES CRIMINAL CHARGES OVER REPTILE ABUSE IN CROMER

Ricky James McWee, born on 23 November 1993 and residing at Princess Court in Holt with the postcode NR25 6BY, was found guilty in 2022 of causing unnecessary suffering to a reticulated python by neglecting to seek veterinary care for a swelling in its mouth. The court also convicted him on two additional counts related to the welfare of his four snakes, which he failed to properly care for. Despite denying all charges, the evidence presented painted a disturbing picture of neglect and poor conditions.

McWee and his former partner, Laura Graham, who describes herself on Facebook as an “animal rescuer,” co-managed a reptile breeding business called RnL Reptiles from their flat on Cabbell Road in Cromer, Norfolk. The couple lived together until their breakup in December 2020. After their separation, Graham claimed that she distanced herself from the responsibility of caring for the animals, although she acknowledged that McWee was still considered responsible for the snakes.

According to testimony, McWee was ordered to vacate the flat on February 17, 2021, following an incident where his dog bit Graham. She was instructed not to return to the property without police accompaniment. On February 24, Graham contacted the RSPCA after she observed the conditions in the snake enclosure, describing the room as a “pigsty.” She told prosecutor Hazel Stevens that she had previously asked McWee to address the situation, but he failed to do so.

RSPCA officer Dean Astiberry conducted an inspection of the flat on February 26. His report detailed a strong, unpleasant smell of reptile feces, urine, and decaying animals emanating from the bedroom where the snakes were kept. The vivariums were found to be filthy, containing faeces and shed skin. Among the animals, two reticulated pythons were kept in a single enclosure. One of these snakes, measuring approximately 12 feet, was dehydrated and underweight, while the other, about ten feet long, was suffering from severe mouth rot. The latter was taken to a veterinarian but was euthanized due to the extent of its infection.

Additionally, one of the Burmese pythons exhibited abnormal breathing and was found without access to water. Dillon Prest of Swallow Aquatics in East Harling provided a statement describing the conditions as “disgusting” and expressed concern that the animals had likely been neglected for a significant period.

During the court proceedings, McWee claimed that he and Graham had purchased the snakes together and that they were well cared for while in his possession. However, the bench acknowledged that although McWee was experiencing personal difficulties following the breakup, he had failed to make any alternative arrangements to ensure the animals’ welfare.

In sentencing, McWee was fined £100, ordered to pay £450 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £95. The case highlighted the neglect and poor conditions that led to the suffering of the reptiles, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare standards in Norfolk.