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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National

'One of the worst alleged bestiality offenders': police arrest 'Beast Boy'

Police arrest a man on the Mid North Coast accused of being the worst online bestiality offender in NSW. Pictures supplied

A man who police have described as one of the worst alleged bestiality offenders in NSW remains in custody after he was arrested at a Mid North Coast property.

Colin Baker, a 38-year-old allegedly known online under the pseudonym Beast Boy, is accused of allegedly using encrypted messaging apps to share material that involved the sexual abuse of animals such as dogs, sheep, goats, chickens and a dead kangaroo.

Police said in a statement on Wednesday morning they believed Mr Baker was behind an online profile that was one of the state's largest "self-producers of online bestiality content".

The charges came after Sex Crimes Squad detectives in February executed search warrants across Sydney, when investigations into the online sharing and promotion of child abuse material drew their attention to the activities of the Beast Boy profile.

Police on Tuesday morning swooped on a property at Moorland, about 30km north of Taree and arrested Mr Baker, who they allege is behind the Beast Boy profile.

"A dog, who was identified as one of the animals allegedly sexually abused, was seized by the RSPCA NSW," the police statement said.

"Police also seized electronics and hard drives which will be subject to further forensic examination."

Mr Baker was charged with eight counts of bestiality, six counts of producing bestiality material, and four counts of disseminating bestiality material, as well as possessing child abuse material, and using a carriage service to access and solicit child abuse material.

He was refused bail when he faced Taree Local Court on Tuesday.

Magistrate Allison Hawkins adjourned the matter to July 8.

Police said in their statement on Wednesday they expected to press more charges.

Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon that an initial review of the electronic devices uncovered more than 500 videos "made over a number of years" depicting the man in acts of bestiality.

"Police will allege the motivation is sexual gratification as well as financial advantage," she said.

RSPCA acting Inspector Lachlan King said the dog - which had been nicknamed Lachy - was in the agency's care and was doing well.

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