WARPED MAN JAILED FOR HAVING SEX WITH ANIMALS
A man described as ‘sordid’ and a father of two who broke into a poultry farm at night to engage in sexual acts with chickens previously expressed remorse to the animals afterward.Shane Waters, aged 40, who had earlier convictions for sexual activities involving a horse and a donkey, confessed during his police interview that he was unable to control his ‘urges’ leading to sexual acts with animals.
The court also learned that Waters admitted to having sexual relations with his own dog, a Great Dane, despite her attempts to bite him during these acts.
Prosecutor Barbara Webster stated that Waters’s confessions during police questioning, combined with his guilty plea in a lower court to charges of animal sexual abuse and burglary, established his guilt.
He received a 30-month prison sentence for his crimes.
His misconduct came to light after a farmer discovered four dead chickens and several unwell birds in a shed at Lower Holker Farm, Accrington, on September 18.
Upon reviewing CCTV footage, the farmer saw a man entering a secure chicken shed and staying inside for approximately 20 minutes.
Ms Webster explained: “The CCTV footage prompted the farmer to go back in and find 11 chickens dead, leading him to believe they had been subjected to sexual abuse.” Authorities were involved, and the RSPCA was called to the farm to investigate.
Eight chickens were collected for examination, revealing traces of Waters inside two of them.
Waters was later identified and police visited him, where he openly admitted the allegations, stating, “I need help, I know what you’re on about, I just get these urges.” Following his arrest for the acts involving chickens, tests on Waters’ dog detected traces of semen.
Ms Webster said: “In his interview, the defendant admitted going onto the farm intending having sex with the chickens.
“He admitted he had been on the farm on nine previous occasions and told officers he would say sorry to the chickens when he was finished.
“He also admitted to having sexual intercourse with his Great Dane at his address.
He admitted that when he had sex with her.
He said he knew she didn’t like it and would growl and bite him.” Defending his client, Anna Chesnut said Waters, of Elizabeth Street, Accrington, was deeply ashamed of his actions.
She said: “There is nothing that I can offer on his behalf by way of excuse, he is genuinely ashamed and apologetic.
He appreciates the full force of his suffering that he has caused to animals.
“Before he was remanded into custody there was an order in place that would allow him to see his children every Sunday.
He misses them desperately as a result of being in prison and wants to be a good father to them and continue to see them.
“You will be aware that he does not have diagnosed mental health issues, but he feels there may be some undiagnosed traumatic events that he needs to explore.
“He wants to explore with his GP what sort of support may be available to him in the community.” Sentencing, Judge Sara Dodd imposed a criminal behaviour order upon Waters, banning him from owning or keeping animals.
Judge Dodd said: “This is a case which is as unusual as it is disturbing.
On two occasions on the 18th and 19th of September you broke into chicken sheds at the farm.
“You penetrated the anus of a number of chickens and ejaculated.
As I understanded at least 15 died as a result of your sordid sexual activity.
“Those who kept the chickens are understandably horrified and appalled by what you have done.
“When the police attended to arrest you, your dog was examined.
Your semen was found in the vagina.
You would go on to accept intercourse with your dog took place on 5-6 occasions in the previous months.
“I have no doubt that anybody hearing the details of this case will be disturbed.
You conduct is distressing and deeply worrying.
“It is said on your behalf that you want to seek help for your urged, as you described them to the police.
You were given that opportunity previously but that has not stopped your offending.” A replacing order stopping Waters from approaching Lower Holker Farm was also imposed, and he must sign the sexual offenders register.
