Half a dozen members of the Australian Society for Kangaroos turned up to the courthouse with placards and a six-month-old joey for the appearance of Nigel Franks but were left disappointed.

But the activists were in court as solicitor Mario Vaccaro had the matter adjourned to April 4 but not before magistrate Paul Smith questioned Franks’ non-appearance.

“He should be here,” Mr Smith said.

“These are serious offences and I think people in these matters should be here.”

Mr Vaccaro told Mr Smith Franks was staying with family at Orbost in East Gippsland.

Protesters outside Wodonga court yesterday. PICTURE: John Russell.

Franks, 19, faces two charges of aggravated cruelty against a kangaroo, offensive behaviour and driving in a dangerous manner.

He is accused of deliberately driving over an eastern grey kangaroo before kicking it to death and using a car to drag its carcass two kilometres through the streets of Wodonga.