READING CHRONICLE (UK) 11 November 04 Reptile breeder cleared of snake cruelty charge (Sarah Clark)
A Binfield reptile breeder has spoken of his relief after being found innocent of causing cruelty to an animal.
Kevin Wicks, 31, of Statham Court, was cleared at St Albans Magistrates last week.
The charge related to his alleged provision of a Burmese python to former American WWF wrestler Jake the Snake Roberts.
Animal welfare inspectors had discovered the python living in poor conditions at wrestler Roberts' home.
The court found that Roberts was responsible for the care of the snake and it was he who had inadequately cared for it, resulting in its very poor condition.
Mr Wicks told the News he was always confident that he would be cleared.
He is a well known and popular figure who is frequently involved in reptile rescues.
His animals have featured on television programmes including Blue Peter, Graham Norton and recently EastEnders, and he has been selling reptiles for five years now. Animal welfare inspectors found Damien the python, crammed in a 5ft long home-made tank - despite the snake measuring 12ft.
Damien was covered in parasitic mites, had a severe mouth infection that caused his teeth to fall out, and had not eaten for eight months, the court heard.
He eventually died on October 10 in RSPCA care.
Mr Wicks had supplied Jake the Snake with reptiles for public appearances, and it was originally claimed he provided him with Damien which was later found to be untrue. He had supplied the wrestler with a healthy female python measuring 14ft.
Roberts was found guilty in his absence and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Reptile breeder cleared of snake cruelty charge