BREAKING: Notorious Animal Abuser, 21, Walks Free After Serving Just 2.5 Months Behind Bars for Sickening Crimes
- J Jet Jai Johnson, 21, filmed himself committing heinous acts of animal cruelty and shared them on social media
- The Broken Hill man was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, but had his appeal upheld and was released into the community
- Johnson must now serve the remainder of his 9-month intensive correctional order in the community and undergo psychological treatment
A 21-year-old man who shocked the nation with his sickening animal cruelty videos has been released from prison after serving just 2.5 months behind bars. Jet Jai Johnson, from Broken Hill, was originally sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment for his heinous crimes, but had his appeal upheld in the District Court on Friday.
The court heard that Johnson, who filmed himself committing the atrocities against native animals and livestock, including a kangaroo, a joey, and three kid goats, had likely suffered from ADHD and was “desensitised” to animal suffering due to his work in animal husbandry.
In a stunning turnaround, Judge Clive Jeffreys reduced Johnson’s sentence to a 9-month intensive correctional order, which he will serve in the community. The judge took into account Johnson’s young age at the time of the offences, as well as his remorse and prospects for rehabilitation.
“It’s been a wake-up call. He had to celebrate his 21st birthday in custody,” Judge Jeffreys said. “As a result of these offences and the great deal of publicity, the appellant lost his employment and will not be able to return to that sort of work – animal husbandry.”
As part of his intensive correctional order, Johnson must not commit any further offences and must continue to see his psychologist. His family and friends, who were in attendance at the court, were overjoyed at the news of his release, hugging each other in celebration.
In a dramatic twist, a former employer of Johnson’s has offered him a job, which he can start immediately, away from animals. Defence barrister Rebecca Mitchell described the original sentence as “stern” and argued that Johnson had already been sufficiently punished, having spent 2.5 months behind bars.
The outcome has sparked widespread debate about animal cruelty sentencing and rehabilitation in Australia. One thing is certain – Johnson’s release is a chance for him to start anew and make amends for his sickening crimes.