Third man accused of kangaroo torture to contest charge

A THIRD of four men charged in relation to the kangaroo torture and killing that shocked Perth will contest his charge.

Ben Jaydon Malpuss (26), of  Woodvale, was charged with one count of animal cruelty after Joondalup detectives discovered mobile phone video footage filmed between May and June.

Mr Malpuss’ lawyer Mark Gunning said in Joondalup Magistrates Court this morning his client was pleading not guilty.

The matter will go to a trial on July 1.

Also adjourned to the same date were charges over an unrelated matter, the firing of a gel blaster gun from a car at three people in Craigie in September.

Police say Mr Malpuss, who intends to plead guilty, was the shooter and now-jailed Luke Dempster the driver.

Former bikie associate Dempster was sentenced last week after pleading guilty to the gel blaster attacks and serious animal cruelty charges. Police have not recovered the gel blaster.

Mr Gunning said one day for the trial would be sufficient and that Mr Malpuss’ “family are very keen for this to get dealt with as soon as possible”.

Magistrate Edward de Vries extended his bail, which includes avoiding his co-accused, the gel blaster victims and any members of an outlaw motorcycle gang.