27 November 2019

"Grabbed the steering wheel to try to hit more kangaroos" - Tura Beach roo killer sentenced

| Elka Wood
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Bega Court House. Photo: Ian Campbell.

Bega Court House. Photo: Ian Campbell.

Editor’s note: distressing image below.

A young man responsible for the hit and run deaths of 21 kangaroos at Tura Beach in September has been sentenced in Bega Local Court.

Nathan Sanger, 20, of Numbugga, pled guilty and was charged with ‘torture, beat and death of an animal’ for which the maximum sentence is five years imprisonment.

However, Sanger has avoided jail time and received a two-year intensive corrections order and was ordered to serve 500 hours of community service for his role in the deaths of the Eastern Grey Kangaroos on September 28.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Doug Dick made the link between animal cruelty and the potential to inflict pain and suffering on humans.

Sanger’s defence lawyer noted in court that Sanger was remorseful for his actions, had no criminal record and that the public condemnation for his actions would supply further cause for his rehabilitation.

CCTV footage shows that three men were in the white Mazda ute with ACT plates at the time of the crime.

WIRES carer Janine Green. A number of surviving joeys are being cared for. Photo: ABC South East NSW, WIRES.

WIRES carer Janine Green who cared for a number of surviving joeys. Photo: ABC South East NSW, WIRES.

Appearing alongside Sanger in court was Ashley Sorenson, 33, the registered owner of the vehicle that hit the kangeroos.

A third man, who was in the backseat of the vehicle has not been charged.

The police fact sheet held at Bega Court reports that Sanger told police that Sorensen had “grabbed the steering wheel to try to hit more kangaroos.”

A text on Sanger’s phone from Sorenson on the night of September 28, found by police, said – “what’s the grand total?”.

A letter from Potoroo Palace, a native animal education sanctuary in Merimbula, was presented in court as support for Sanger’s regret for his actions and stated that Sanger had been volunteering at the sanctuary prior to sentencing.

Sorenson’s case has been adjourned to January 14, 2020.

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Monsters need JAIL TIME and not a slap on the wrist for murder! What kind of justice is community service, what a joke!

Peter Gorton8:49 am 29 Nov 19

Absolutely no way any amount of ”community service” is enough. A jail term is necessary for this sort of anti-social behaviour.

Marianne Kambouridis6:31 pm 28 Nov 19

How can the law be respected when we let these dangerous people go free? I really do not care if he showed remorse. He clearly meant to kill as he killed more than one and could have killed kids. What message is this sending out to others who will try to do the same? He should have been sent to jail, lost his licence, fined thousands of dollars that would have taken him many years to pay off. No justice for wildlife! The whole court saga was a farce!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Milton Kelly5:07 pm 28 Nov 19

Sanger May be redeemed

Seeing the picture of Ashley Sorenson the 33 year old adult in this tragic event, walking from court showing his true personality for all to see & sticking his fingers up at the the Justice system. I hope the Magistrate rethinks the punishment upon him when his time comes. He shows no remorse by this action, just a selfish immature attitude. I think Nathan Sanger has been given a very generous opportunity to learn from his wrong choices. But why hasn’t the Magistrate dealt a fine of $1000 per kangaroo killed by these morons, with all the money gifted to The Wires group of loving sensitive carers who have been there dealing with this awful murder of wildlife. Is the Magistrate out of touch with the cost of caring for wildlife. Hit this lowlife back where it hurts, his wallet..
I don’t know how to start a protest letter on line requesting this, but if anyone else can then I would certainly put my name to it, many residents of Tura Beach have been affected by this & deserve better.

Marianne Kambouridis6:32 pm 28 Nov 19

totally agree with you Ruby!

Disgusting outcome for such evil people! Look at all the wonderful people who are frantically sewing items for the injured wildlife affected by the recent fires!!! No decent person would intentionally cause harm to an animal!! Lock them up in a cage!!

peter collins5:55 pm 27 Nov 19

the only thing they are sorry about is getting caught .they should have got maximum sentence.the judges are not tough enough on this kind of cruelty to animals the judges are way too soft .our entire system needs a huge change shame on you

Robyn Freedman2:36 pm 27 Nov 19

That kind of cruelty and disregard for life should be treated more seriously than a bit of community service. Shame on the magistrate and shame on Potteroo Palace for helping this violent individual avoid punishment. I won’t be taking the family there in future.

TANIA Lingard1:10 pm 27 Nov 19

I think they both deserve jail time!
This was a horrendous crime and could possibly lead to much worse behaviour down the track.
Community service is not enough.

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