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AN arrest warrant has been issued for a man who pleaded guilty to animal cruelty offences for shooting a kangaroo in the head with a crossbow near Woodend.
James Johnathon Calleja, 34, failed to appear for a sentencing hearing in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
A number of animal rights activists were once again present in the court, but left disappointed after another delay in the case.
Calleja, of Sunbury, was due to be sentenced in July, but magistrate Lance Martin instead ordered a pre-sentence report and adjourned the case to September 12 in Bendigo.
Calleja failed to appear on Monday however, and Mr Martin issued a warrant.
It has now been more than 12 months since Calleja went hunting with his brother near rural properties at Ashbourne, to Woodend’s south.
A hearing in Castlemaine earlier this year was told the two men climbed onto private property on Porkers Lane armed with the crossbow on August 12.
Calleja then shot a kangaroo in the head with a crossbow bolt. The kangaroo, known as ‘Spot’, survived and escaped the two men.
A family living on the property contacted police, who attended the scene and spoke with Calleja.
The kangaroo survived with the arrow in his head for almost a month before he was eventually caught by wildlife officers.
Spot died of shock shortly after surgery to remove the arrow.
Prosecutor Senior Constable Martin Friend said Spot “was looked upon as a pet” by the family, and his shooting had caused distress.
“The children refused to let their animals outside as they were petrified that the accused would return and kill the animals,” he told the Castlemaine Magistrates’ Court in April.
At another hearing, Calleja repeatedly said “I don’t consent” when asked by a magistrate if he was guilty or not guilty. He then claimed he was the “victim” of a media campaign.
Calleja’s bail was forfeited and he will re-appear in court at a later date.