Adam Britton guilty of 56 offences related to the torture and sexual exploitation of dogs on his rural property

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A prominent crocodile expert and Charles Darwin University academic has been jailed for more than 10 years over his “grotesque” depravity and cruelty in torturing and killing dozens of dogs.

Adam Robert Corden Britton was sentenced in Northern Territory supreme court on Thursday, having previously pleaded guilty to 56 offences related to the torture and sexual exploitation of more than 42 dogs on his rural property.

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In Australia, children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, and adult survivors can contact Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380. In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331. In the US, call or text the Childhelp abuse hotline on 800-422-4453. Other sources of help can be found at Child Helplines International

Christopher Luxon explains why Māori language removed from letter, prompting Australian minister to hit back with reference to the band Split Enz

New Zealand’s prime minister has defended the removal of the Māori language from an official invitation sent to an Australian government minister by saying “in my dealings with Australians it always pays to be incredibly simple”.

But the Australian minister was quick to hit back, saying he was familiar with the language thanks to the popular New Zealand band Split Enz.