Vegan activist, 25, 'left hungry' during his 48 hours in prison
A vegan activist accused of stealing a calf and a dead piglet from West Australian farms said he went hungry in jail due to the lack of animal-free meal options.
James Warden, from the group Direct Action Everywhere, faced Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with three counts of trespassing, and two counts each of stealing and aggravated burglary.
The 25-year-old, who was fined last month for trespassing and live streaming it on social media, has several co-accused ranging in age from 21 to 36.
Warden told Seven News he was in jail for 48 hours in Perth’s Hakea Prison.
He was expected to spend more than one night in prison until his bail paperwork was completed.
“Some of them just said, ‘Go and eat some meat’, and that kind of thing,” he told 7News after he left jail.
“The experience I had was nowhere near as bad as what animals are going through. They are suffering daily and I only had to put up with 48 hours in custody.”
Police previously said all the crimes happened between August and February at properties in Nambeelup, Hopeland, West Pinjarra, Benger and Mundijong.
The calf was allegedly taken to an animal rescue farm in Waroona, but was later returned in good health to its owners.
Warden last week faced court in his home state of NSW, where he was visiting family, and was granted bail on the condition he appear in Perth on the new offences.
The court heard the investigation was ongoing and there was a possibility of further charges.
Magistrate Joe Randazzo said it was a strong prosecution case and ruled Warden's bail conditions should include a $10,000 personal undertaking and $5000 surety.
Warden also cannot possess a passport, must report weekly to police and stay away from farms.
But Warden's sister, who previously provided his surety, was already on her way to the airport to return to NSW when the magistrate made his determination.
Warden is scheduled to face Mandurah Magistrates Court on May 3.
Yahoo News Australia has contacted Western Australia’s Department of Justice for comment.
– with AAP
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