Jake "The Snake" Roberts Killed His Snake And Was A Fake?

News Edition: 11/11/2004

American wrestler Jake “the Snake” Roberts left his star serpent sidekick starving to death – and even had a phobia of his pet reptile, a court heard today.
The wrestler, once a star of the hugely popular World Wrestling Federation, had not fed his 15ft python for between seven and eight months, St Albans Magistrates’ Court was told.

The snake, which the Texan waved around before his wrestling bouts, also suffered mouth rot and was cooped up in an unsuitable tank. The snake died after being seized by RSPCA inspectors.

Roberts – real name Aurelian Smith Jnr – is accused of causing unnecessary suffering to his Burmese python between August and September last year.

The 48-year-old, who once performed in front of millions alongside stars like Hulk Hogan, did not attend today’s proceedings but the trial went ahead in his absence.

Valerie Burnham, 59, who lived with Roberts in White Horse Lane, London Colney, Hertfordshire denies the same charge.

Also in court is snake dealer Kevin Wicks, 30, who allegedly owned the snake and who also denies permitting unnecessary suffering to the animal.

Mr Bruce Kent, prosecuting, said: “The snake had a number of apparent difficulties which required treatment.

“It was severely debilitated and significantly underweight. That should have been apparent to those in possession of the snake.”

The court also heard that the snake was suffering from a heavy infestation of mites requiring veterinary treatment.

Mr Kent described Mrs Burnham and Roberts as “best friends and business partners doing everything together”.

The court was told that the snake was originally supplied for the purpose of business.

Mr Kent said: “Mr Smith is a wrestler by trade and used a snake in the course of his performance.”


Owe well.