CONVICTED (2022) | zoophile Peter F Edwards, 36, from South Perrott, Beaminster, Dorset – raped his black Labrador and encouraged another pervert to sexually abuse the same dog

Edwards was found to have abused the Labrador, Max, and encouraged or allowed another man, Jonathan Barton from Yeovil, Somerset, to commit bestiality with his pet as well.

The pair were caught out when police examined Edwards’ mobile and computer devices and found vile videos showing the abuse of the dog.

A court heard that after he was arrested Edwards expressed concern about what would happen to Max, who has since been rehomed.

An investigation was carried out and photos and videos were found on his devices, including child pornography and extreme pornography involving animals. Officers then discovered some of the images were of sexual activity with his own dog.

Edwards pleaded guilty to two offences of sexual intercourse with an animal, one count of encouraging or assisting with the commission of an offence as well as three counts of making indecent image of a child and three counts of possessing extreme pornographic images.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard reports showed Edwards had autistic traits and a high level of intelligence but showed ‘bizarre attitudes and behaviours’.

John Dyer, representing Edwards, said he had become very isolated, was signed off work and suffered with anxiety and depression.

Judge Climie told Edwards: “Concerns were expressed to the police that were proved well-founded. There were extreme pornographic images in relation to animals, some of those proved to be sexual activity involving you and your own dog and also Mr Barton, who had also become involved in that sexual activity.

“You will be subject to a community order for the next three years. That may seem like you have avoided the ultimate punishment of going to prison, but I must consider the extent to which rehabilitation can be achieved in a custodial setting.

“Because of your peculiarities, I don’t mean that in an offensive manner, you would be highly vulnerable as a prisoner. You would be subjected not just to taunting but also some degree of violence from other inmates and that would achieve very little in rehabilitating you.”

Sentencing | three-year community order with up to 60 rehabilitation activity days and a three-month curfew between 8pm and 6am. Five-year criminal behaviour order that Edwards shall not own, possess or look after any dog unless whilst in the company of that dog’s owner. Sexual harm prevention order. Ordered to sign sex offenders’ register for five years.

Dorset Echo
Daily Mail