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Joondalup court: accused kangaroo killers appear in court

Justin BianchiniJoondalup Times

THREE men accused of torturing and killing kangaroos appeared in Joondalup Magistrates Court today.

The first of the three accused of the animal cruelty incidents earlier this year had bail set at $10,000.

Magistrate Deen Potter ordered Dylan Griffin, of Bullsbrook, not to associate with any of the co-accused, or with any members of the motorcycle club with which police said he was associated.

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Police allege Mr Griffin, a scaffolder, shot a kangaroo in the eye with a firearm after it was chased and repeatedly stabbed on May 19.

The other accused are Ricky Swan and Ben Malpuss and an additional fourth man has been charged.

Mr Griffin, who the court heard had handed himself into police, entered court under the guard of two security officers and was sporting a black eye.

Police opposed bail because they still had not located the firearm, knuckleduster and knife, and assistance to police in recovering the weapons and “outstanding mobile phones” had not been forthcoming.

The police prosecutor believed there was still a danger to the community because “this firearm is still out there”.

Magistrate Potter said whether the accused was a member of a motorcycle club was not an issue and the court would deal with the facts.

He said flight risk and the police fear of interference with the investigation would be addressed by the bail conditions, which included Mr Griffin reporting to Joondalup police station every day.

Mr Malpuss (26), of Woodvale, was also granted bail of $10,000 and remanded to reappear on November 5.

Ben Malpuss leaves court today. J Bianchini
Camera IconBen Malpuss leaves court today. J Bianchini Credit: Supplied/Supplied

The police prosecutor did not oppose bail given the “smaller significant part in what occurred” in relation to the animal cruelty. He will have to report to Joondalup police every Monday and not associate with the co-accused or members of the Rebels Motorcycle Club.

Mr Swan also appeared in court charged with animal cruelty and was remanded until October 17, with bail set at $10,000.

Police officers alleged the fourth man, who was charged today, was involved in the kangaroo killings as well as another animal cruelty incident.

The 26-year-old Wanneroo man allegedly tortured an adult chicken on March 31 by placing it on a fire-fuelled by accelerant.

A small explosive device was detonated, causing injury to the chicken.

Luke Dempster, of Wanneroo, later appeared in Joondalup Magistrates Court and was remanded to appear on October 26 and ordered not to contact his co-accused or members of the Rebels.

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