A Tasmanian man has pleaded guilty to filming and sharing a video of a bestiality act involving a live brown trout that later went viral online.
Ashley David Hallam entered a guilty plea in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Monday to charges of possessing a bestiality product and making or reproducing a bestiality product.
The Dolphin Sands resident had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry maximum penalties of two years imprisonment or $40,400 for possession, and 12 months prison or $10,100 for production.
Police allege Hallam filmed himself using a live trout to perform a sexual act on Catherine June Lee between February 2022 and January 2023, as previously reported by Pulse.
The court heard Hallam then allegedly shared the footage with six people without Lee’s knowledge.
The video was subsequently distributed more widely online, though prosecutors did not suggest Hallam was directly responsible for this broader distribution.
Charges against Lee were dismissed by prosecutors earlier this year.
Hallam’s lawyer today told the court his client was taking responsibility for his actions, saving both the state and Lee “more embarrassment”, as reported by News Corp.
“Ultimately Mr Hallam is a man of his word and takes responsibility,” he said.
The court heard Hallam has suffered significant personal consequences, with his lawyer noting his work opportunities and relationships have been impacted.
“Mr Hallam is incredibly embarrassed and has suffered an intense amount of reproach,” his lawyer said.
News Corp reported Prosecutor Letitia Fox told the court Hallam’s physical involvement in the act and the video’s widespread distribution were aggravating factors that “increased culpability”.
She also noted Hallam had prior history “disregarding legislation to protect animals” though not similar to the current offences.
“He does not come to court as a person of good character,” Fox said.
The court was adjourned for lawyers to prepare further submissions, with Hallam expected to return for sentencing on June 23.
