Cattle trader’s son set to plead guilty to vile wombat carnage after backroom plea deal: ‘Senseless and deliberate’
Tyson Michael Delbridge, 20, an apprentice electrician from Fish Creek, Victoria, has indicated he will plead guilty to charges related to killing wombats in Venus Bay on 18 February after securing a plea deal with prosecutors. The incident has provoked significant outrage in the local community, who have attended court hearings throughout the case, with the alleged act described as "senseless and deliberate animal cruelty". The wildlife crime has resonated deeply with Venus Bay residents, who have campaigned for accountability in the months since the animals were killed.
Delbridge is accused of driving over the animals along Lees Road in his ute; several bodies were recovered, including at least one carrying a joey that survived and was taken to a wildlife shelter. His older brother Angus and friend Jake Bland have also indicated they will plead guilty to related charges. Delbridge's lawyer told Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court that his client would enter pleas to charges one and 21 at his next appearance in March.
- Young man to plead guilty after wombat killings in Victoria
- At least one pregnant wombat killed; joey survived
- Brother and friend also facing related charges
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In February 2026, a group of wombats were killed in Venus Bay, a coastal town in Victoria. The animals were driven over by a ute on Lees Road, with several bodies recovered. One wombat was carrying a joey (baby wombat), which was rescued and taken to a wildlife shelter.
Tyson Michael Delbridge, a 20-year-old apprentice electrician from Fish Creek, faces charges related to the killings. His older brother Angus and a friend, Jake Bland, also face related charges.
The incident has provoked significant outrage in the Venus Bay community, with residents attending court hearings and campaigning for accountability. Wombats are protected native Australian animals, and wildlife crime is taken seriously under Australian law. The strong local response reflects how deeply the case has affected the community.