A man who killed his partner’s pets in a fit of “inexplicable acts of cruelty” is awaiting his sentence. Benjamin Wright of Glen Innes pleaded guilty to acts of “aggravated cruelty” towards three dogs and a cat. Magistrate Michael Holmes is now considering arguments made by his defence lawyer and by the prosecution about whether he has mental problems which are best treated or whether he should be sent to prison. On March 22, he killed his partner’s four animals with such brutality that, in the case of the cat, its tail became dislodged from its spine. The court heard that he had told the police that he was a qualified slaughterman and had dispatched the animals humanely because they were ill. But the court heard that a vet who had examined the carcasses found no ailments, and thought they had died in great pain. According to the court, his partner said that Wright had been sharpening his knife a week before killing the animals. The two plus his daughter were living in a caravan in the bush and, the court heard, he was under severe financial and emotional pressure.  He had been prone to angry outbursts in the past. Wright’s defence counsel, Chris Leahy, argued that it was an “inexplicable, sudden burst of cruel activity”. Mr Leahy’s argument was that it was consistent with Wright’s mental condition which was “bipolar”. The decision before Magistrate Holmes is whether to consign Wright to treatment plus punishment outside prison or to send him to prison for a substantial period. Prosecutor Cheryl Hall told the court that there was “an element of planning”. The animals “weren’t killed humanely. They did suffer horrific and tremendous terror”. Wright’s now ex-partner was in court but, according to her friends, left because she was too upset.  Mr Holmes addressed Wright, saying: “I’ve got to consider it very seriously, Mr Wright. “I’ve got to consider your interest and society’s”. The case is adjourned until December 13 for sentencing. Legal precedent was cited in court for dealing with people who commit crimes but who also have mental conditions. Magistrate Michael Holmes is to weigh up the needs of society, in that serious crime has to be punished as a deterrent to others, but also whether sending a person to jail is the best long-term course either for the criminal or society at large.  The court heard that Wright did have a criminal record though it was described as “modest” (in other words, that it was not as serious as some).