A ‘SORDID’ father-of-two who would creep into a poultry farm at night to have sex with chickens used to apologise to the animals afterwards.

Shane Waters, who has previously been convicted of having sex with a horse and a donkey, admitted in his police interview that he could not control his ‘urges’ when it came to sexual intercourse with animals.

Burnley Crown Court also heard that the 40-year-old admitted to having sex with his own dog, a Great Dane, despite the fact she would bite him while he was doing so.

Prosecuting the case, Barbara Webster said that the defendant had made admissions of his guilt during his police interview and had pleaded guilty at a lower court to having sexual intercourse with a chicken, a dog and burglary.

He was this morning sentenced to 30 months in prison for his crimes.

Waters' actions came to the attention of the police after a farmer found four dead and several un-well looking chickens in a shed on his premises, Lower Holker Farm in Accrington on September 18.

He later checked his CCTV and could see a man entering one of his chicken sheds, which had been bolted closed, and remaining inside the building for around 20 minutes.

Ms Webster said: “After he had reviewed the CCTV he went back in and found 11 dead chickens. He formed the view that something sexual had happened to them.”

The police were contacted and subsequently the RSPCA were sent to the premises to carry out an investigation. Eight chickens were taken away for examination and two were found to have traces of Waters inside them.

He was later identified and visited by police, where he made full and frank admissions from the outset, stating ‘I need help, I know what you’re on about I just get these urges.’”

After his arrests for the offences against the chickens, an examination was carried out upon Waters’ dog, where traces of semen were found.

Ms Webster said: “In his interview, the defendant admitted going onto the farm intending having sex with the chickens.

“He admitted he had been on the farm on nine previous occasions and told officers he would say sorry to the chickens when he was finished.

“He also admitted to having sexual intercourse with his Great Dane at his address. He said he knew she didn’t like it and would growl and bite him.”

Defending her client, Anna Chesnutt said Waters, of Elizabeth Street, Accrington, was deeply ashamed of his actions.

She said: “There is nothing that I can offer on his behalf by way of excuse, he is genuinely ashamed and apologetic. He appreciates the full force of his suffering that he has caused to animals.

“Before he was remanded into custody there was an order in place that would allow him to see his children every Sunday. He misses them desperately as a result of being in prison and wants to be a good father to them and continue to see them.

“You will be aware that he does not have diagnosed mental health issues, but he feels there may be some undiagnosed traumatic events that he needs to explore. 

“He wants to explore with his GP what sort of support may be available to him in the community.”

Sentencing, Judge Sara Dodd imposed a criminal behaviour order upon Waters, banning him from owning or keeping animals.

Judge Dodd said: “This is a case which is as unusual as it is disturbing. On two occasions on the 18th and 19th of September you broke into chicken sheds at the farm.

“You penetrated the anus of a number of chickens and ejaculated. As I understanded it at least 15 died as a result of your sordid sexual activity.

“Those who kept the chickens are understandably horrified and appalled by what you have done.

“When the police attended to arrest you, your dog was examined. Your semen was found in the vagina. You would go on to accept intercourse with your dog took place on 5-6 occasions over previous months.

“I have no doubt that anybody hearing the details of this case will be disturbed. Your conduct is distressing and deeply worrying.

“It is said on your behalf that you want to seek help for your urged, as you described them to the police. You were given that opportunity previously but that has not stopped your offending.”

A restraining order stopping Waters from approaching Lower Holker Farm was also imposed, and he must sign the sexual offenders register.

RSPCA inspector Demi Hodby said: “A farmer in the Accrington area called the RSPCA to investigate his concerns about a number of chicken deaths at his premises in September. 

“Tests carried out on the bodies revealed a number of chickens had been sexually abused which had led to their deaths. 

“The RSPCA worked with Lancashire police to identify the offender who was captured on CCTV entering the premises. A man from Accrington was arrested at his home address on October 21.

“The RSPCA removed a dog from the address and she is now in the care of the animal charity where she will remain until she is ready to be rehomed.”