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[NCHERPS]

This fella was a respected documentary-maker in the UK, I have had him do talks at my old Reptile club before, he used to work for 'Anglia' television, and made some great stuff, was also thought to be a good breeder, and used to tell us all how he was legally allowed to take back from the countries he visited various reptiles, mainly from Africa at the time.
Seems like he overstepped the mark on this occasion.
His career will be over after this, a shame, but he deserves it, as he knew the risks!


Cruelty counts dropped
By David King
June 2, 2004


BRITISH wildlife documentary-maker Michael Linley can finally put an embarrassing and damaging period of his career behind him.

The last remaining charge against the award-winning filmmaker - stemming from his foiled attempt last year to smuggle more than 200 reptiles out of the country in his luggage -- was dropped by the West Australian Director of Public Prosecutions yesterday.

Linley was caught red-handed last October at Perth airport with more than 217 assorted geckos, shinglebacks, skinks, snakes and cockroaches packed in plastic containers and pillowcases and stuffed into his luggage.

Linley yesterday issued a press release in which he said he was pleased the final charge of attempted cruelty had been dropped.

"I have never been, nor would I ever be, cruel to any animal," Linley said.

"The reptiles that I had attempted to illegally take out of Australia last October were well maintained and very carefully packed to ensure their survival on the journey.

"I continue to regret my actions last October and would once again like to take this opportunity to apologise."

In December Linley was fined $10,000 for his attempt to smuggle the reptiles.

He said he had wanted to use them to make a new documentary.

Neil