Cayne Leith Picking: Man who abused dog, boy in Manjimup has sentencing delayed because of factual dispute

A man who has admitted to abusing his dog as well as a young boy had his sentencing delayed on Monday when he continued to dispute the facts despite having pleaded guilty. Cayne Leith Picking, 36, had been convicted of assaulting the son of his ex-partner and mistreating his dog in Manjimup, between June 1 and July 12. He appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Monday, with the court told he would likely be eligible for Legal Aid representation, and Magistrate Mark Millington told Picking he could seek that advice, or proceed to sentencing without a lawyer. Pickering told the court he wanted to “just plead guilty” — despite already being convicted in August. Mr Millington explained to Picking he could be sent to jail, whether he was represented or not. He chose to proceed, but repeatedly interrupted police prosecutor Sgt Troy Gildersleeve while he read the facts of the case, including him assaulting the 12-year-old son of his former partner. Sgt Gildersleeve told the court on one occasion the victim was grabbed by the shirt, threatened and slammed against a wall after he refused to do household chores because he was tired. The second incident came while Picking and the victim’s mother were interupted while being intimate, with Picking chasing the boy outside. Picking interrupted the reading of the facts saying the two separate incidents were the same incident. Mr Millington said it was evident Picking wanted to dispute the facts after already having pleaded guilty and told the court he behaved similar when he pleaded guilty to kicking a dog across a lounge room, hitting the wall. Picking at that time said the dog had bitten his finger. Mr Millington adjourned the sentencing until October 21, ordering Picking remain in custody.