Sicko Jailed for Sex with Horses Now Runs Pet Shop

Jordan Turnbull, 33, a registered sex offender convicted of committing acts of bestiality against two Shetland ponies, is now running an exotic fish business in Armadale, West Lothian, after being granted a licence by council chiefs to sell exotic fish, according to reports. The revelation has sparked outrage among locals, with customers vowing to boycott the shop and demanding to know how a man on the sex offenders register until 2031 was allowed to open a pet shop. The business, Astarte Aquarium, is an exotic fish specialist. Turnbull is one of three directors at the firm and was appointed to the position last October, prior to the aquarium's opening. The shop's name derives from an ancient Middle Eastern goddess known as the "mistress of horses."

Back in 2021, Turnbull was locked up after he admitted to being part of a horse sexual abuse ring with two other men. The 33-year-old admitted he had an "unnatural connection" with horses and was convicted after abusing two ponies at an Aberdeenshire farm. He was added to the sex offenders register for a decade and is set to remain on it until 2031. The case has resurfaced after it emerged that he is now running a pet shop. The shop, Astarte Aquarium, is named after the Middle Eastern goddess "Astate", who was worshipped more than 3000 years ago as a goddess of "sexual love, war and power." The goddess was often depicted riding horses while naked.

Disgusted locals have announced they are planning to boycott the shop which was opened by Turnbull after he was caged for the bestiality crimes. One angry customer told journalists: "I felt ill when I found out who he was." A fuming ex-customer said: "I have no idea how a man convicted of having sex with an animal and put on the sex offenders register got permission to open a shop which deals with looking after and selling animals. What is even more messed up is he's named the pet shop after a Greek goddess known for loving horses." A third commented: "I've been in there plenty of times — never again."

News of Turnbull's conviction has spread across social media, leading the aquarium to issue a response on Facebook. The shop stated: "We are not going to hide from the fact this happened. The matter went through the criminal justice system several years ago and the sentence imposed by the court was served. Astarte Aquarium was established afterwards. We ask people to judge us on the business we operate today — the welfare and standard of care provided to the animals in our shop, the condition of our premises and the contribution we try to make to our community." A spokesman has stated discussions were "ongoing" about removing Turnbull from the firm. The spokesman added: "Removing a director of a company cannot be done instantly."

The case has raised questions about how a registered sex offender was granted a licence by council chiefs to sell exotic fish in Armadale, West Lothian. According to the report, Turnbull was granted the licence by council chiefs, though the local authority has not yet commented publicly on the matter. The shop has stated that the matter went through the criminal justice system and the sentence was served. However, locals remain angry that a man convicted of animal abuse is now running a business that deals with animals. The controversy shows no sign of abating, with calls for accountability from both the business and the authorities that licensed it.

Daily Dazzling Dawn will continue to monitor developments, including any response from the local council and any further statements from Astarte Aquarium regarding its directorship structure. For now, the shop continues to operate in Armadale, West Lothian, while locals maintain their boycott calls. The case has attracted attention nationally, with social media users expressing disbelief that a convicted animal abuser has been permitted to run a pet-related business. The aquarium has been approached for comment.