Disgusting, sickening act slammed by magistrate

Shane Price, 21, faced Holbrook Local Court yesterday after shooting the Eastern Grey at Woomargama in January last year.

He filmed as a man - who police allege is 19-year-old Daniel Wayne Morton - punched the injured animal at least 10 times.

Price could be heard on the footage, which emerged on social media in January, telling the attacker to "kick it in the ribs".

Magistrate Tony Murray said the case made for "terrible, terrible reading".

"Regretfully for the poor kangaroo, at this stage it was still alive," he said, and noted it couldn't defend itself.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"When you read that, quite clearly it's disgusting, disgraceful and totally unacceptable behaviour."

Mr Murray asked Price why he had done it and noted the attack had not only been recorded, but uploaded to social media.

"You must have been proud of what you were doing," he said, which Price denied.

"It was more stupidity," he said.

"Not proud of it at all."

The animal died after the attack.

Price told the court he had lost his job over the incident but had found work fencing.

The court heard Morton had allegedly danced around, imitating a boxer, while Price filmed.

The injured animal could be seen putting its arms up in a defensive position while being taunted, but was unable to avoid the attack.

"In some cases the sound of the punch connecting with the head of the kangaroo is heard, and the force of the punches causes the kangaroo to hit the ground," police said.

The magistrate repeatedly labelled the incident "disgraceful behaviour" and noted Price's charge was a fine-only offence.

"I am stunned that this type of behaviour (does not carry) a term of imprisonment," Mr Murray said.

"Very significant general deterrence, in my view, is warranted in these types of matters."

He noted Price was of prior good character and fined him $5000, with conviction.

Morton also appeared before the court briefly.

He is charged with animal cruelty and harming a protected animal.

The court heard representations were being made.

He will return to the court on May 6 for further mention.