Victims of Reptile Zoo Employee Describe Profound Trauma in ACT Supreme Court
Two young women, both sexually assaulted as teenagers by a man employed at a Canberra reptile zoo, have delivered powerful victim impact statements detailing how their "favourite place" became a place of fear and trauma. The statements were read in the ACT Supreme Court on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
"The Most Scary, Traumatising, Dehumanising Experience"
One victim, reading her statement from a remote room within the courthouse while holding a stuffed toy wombat, told the court: "[The sexual abuse] was the most scary, traumatising, dehumanising experience of my whole life." She added, "What I went through is something that no teenager, no child should have to go through. I hope it ends with me."
The younger victim described how she spent "hours mesmerised by the reptiles" at the reptile park as a child, a place that later became the site of her grooming. "I was groomed in a place that was meant to feel safe," she said. "My favourite place became a place of fear ... Some days I struggle with sadness so overpowering I can't function. I will continue to fight until I get the justice that I deserve."
Guilty Verdict and Charges
The perpetrator, Liam Anthony Thornton, 26, showed no visible emotion as the six impact statements were presented. In September 2025, a jury found him guilty of 11 charges, including:
- Sexual intercourse without consent
- Committing an act of indecency without consent
- Grooming
These charges relate to grooming and indecently assaulting a girl aged under 16, and raping another girl aged under 18. Thornton was employed with the Canberra Reptile Zoo at the time of his crimes and met the girls through their shared interest in reptiles.
Prosecution Case and Defence Arguments
While the facts of the case are yet to be formally determined, the prosecution's case during trial alleged that Thornton persistently asked the younger victim for sex and nude images via social media before indecently assaulting her. The jury also heard that he lured the older victim into a van and forcibly raped her in multiple ways as she protested, following similar online harassment.
On Thursday, a prosecutor argued Thornton had shown no remorse for his actions and had downplayed his crimes. She noted a report author found the 26-year-old "was unable to express any victim empathy and consistently saw himself as a victim."
Defence barrister Tahn O'Rourke told the court Thornton had recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She said a psychologist opined this resulted in "difficulty in being able to articulate to what we would ordinarily understand to be indications of remorse and insight." Speaking to this psychologist, Thornton claimed he "misunderstood" the rape victim's intentions. Ms O'Rourke also claimed her client suffered post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of his trial and social media comments arising from media reporting.
Sentencing and Support
Thornton remains on bail, with his sentence to be handed down by Justice Belinda Baker at a later date. The case highlights the enduring impact of sexual violence on young victims and the complex legal proceedings that follow.
Support is available for those who may be distressed by this content. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 6247 2525; Bravehearts 1800 272 831; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.
