A West Dorset man, Peter Edwards, aged 36, from South Perrott, has been placed under a community order following his guilty pleas to multiple serious sexual offences involving animals and children. The case came to light after an anonymous tip-off to the police regarding concerns about Edwards' behaviour. Dorset Police investigated, seizing his mobile phone and computer devices, which revealed disturbing videos and images depicting the abuse of his pet Labrador, Max.
Edwards admitted to two counts of sexual intercourse with an animal, one count of encouraging or assisting with the commission of an offence, three counts of making indecent images of a child, and three counts of possessing extreme pornographic images. The court heard that Edwards had also encouraged or allowed Jonathan Barton to engage in bestiality with Max. Following his arrest, Edwards expressed worry about Max's welfare, and the dog has since been rehomed.
At Bournemouth Crown Court, Judge Stephen Climie described the acts as 'bizarre and utterly depraved'. Reports indicated that Edwards exhibited autistic traits, high intelligence, but also 'bizarre attitudes and behaviours'. He had become isolated, was signed off work, and suffered from anxiety and depression, as noted by his representative, John Dyer.
Judge Climie opted against a custodial sentence, stating: '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, 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.'
The sentence includes a three-year community order with up to 60 rehabilitation activity days and a three-month curfew from 8pm to 6am. Additionally, a five-year criminal behaviour order prohibits Edwards from being alone with any dog unless accompanied by its owner. A sexual harm prevention order was imposed, and he must register on the sex offenders' register for five years. Breaching these orders could result in a starting point of 21 months' imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by Dorset Police, prompted by public concerns that proved well-founded. This case highlights the severe consequences of such depraved actions, with Edwards now under strict supervision to prevent further offences.