A CRUEL crocodile keeper and snake enthusiast is on the run after failing to appear at court to face charges of animal cruelty.

Lee Thompson was convicted in his absence of two counts of keeping a dangerous wild animal without a license, two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and two counts of breaching a disqualification under the Animal Welfare Act. The 36-year-old of Leigh has a history with wild animals after being bitten by a snake and almost dying previously.

Following that incident in 2009 he received a ten year ban from keeping wild animals, a ban he ignored considering the latest conviction at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 17.

Police raided his home in Westcliff, supported by the RSPCA, and found a Caiman crocodile, scorpions and 23 snakes including ten considered dangerous.

Reptile “expert” Thompson was bitten by the Australian common death adder when working at reptile shop Scales and Fangs in Leigh.

After he was bitten, he spent four days in intensive care at Southend Hospital and managed to pull through after fighting off the poison without the aid of anti-venom.

The animals in 2009 were not believed to have been mistreated.

This time many have had to be put down due to the poor condition the father-of-two kept them in.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Thompson should contact Essex Police on 101.

Alternatively you can contact independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.