ZURIEL HUTSON FROM ISLINGTON CAUGHT WITH EXOTIC MONKEY IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN LONDON

Zuriel Hutson, a resident of Islington, London, has added another serious charge to his criminal record, which already includes a conviction from 2017. The latest incident involves the illegal possession and neglect of an exotic animal, specifically a baby marmoset monkey, which he kept in his one-bedroom flat located in Highbury New Park.

In October 2016, police officers conducted a search of Hutson’s residence and discovered the small primate confined within a cramped bird cage. The conditions of the enclosure raised immediate concerns among animal welfare authorities. A primate expert was called to the scene and assessed the environment in which the monkey, named Amy, was being kept. The expert’s findings were alarming, indicating that the living conditions were grossly inadequate for such a delicate and intelligent creature.

According to a statement released by Scotland Yard, the environment lacked the proper provisions necessary for the monkey’s well-being. There was a clear absence of adequate food, proper grooming, and sufficient space to allow the animal to move freely. The expert’s examination revealed that Amy was underweight, with a lack of muscle tone, and her coat was dirty and unkempt. These signs pointed to neglect and suffering, both physical and mental, inflicted upon the animal by her owner.

Police officials emphasized the cruelty involved in keeping an exotic animal like a marmoset in such conditions. Detective Constable Ben Jefferd expressed his concern, stating, “It is obviously very cruel to keep any animal, let alone an exotic monkey, in such poor conditions without the proper training or understanding of its needs. Amy is now safe and enjoying the facilities kindly supplied at Monkey World.”

Following the seizure, Amy was transferred to the Monkey World sanctuary in Dorset, where she is now receiving proper care and attention. Hutson was subsequently prosecuted and faced sentencing for animal cruelty. He was fined £500 and ordered to pay court costs amounting to £650. Additionally, he received an indefinite ban from keeping any animals in the future.

It is worth noting that Hutson’s criminal history extends beyond animal cruelty. In April 2017, he was jailed for reckless driving after careering down the wrong side of the M11 at 90mph while involved in a phone snatch. More recently, in December 2019, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for robbery, further highlighting his pattern of serious criminal behavior.