Mr Bell later found images on the camera of his ferrets in the garage and on his kitchen bench.

A ferret's leg was in an unnatural position in one image, as though it was broken or dislocated. A film clip on the camera showed a ferret held down and injected with a syringe.

A male says, ''He loves it he'll be pinging in no time.'' There were no faces in the clip, but Mr Bell said he recognised Larobina's voice, and said the person had the same skin tone; he wore the same shirt Larobina had at a wedding he attended with Sorahan and Mr Bell.

Two other men in the clip were not identified in court. Lawyers for the defendants argued the evidence was circumstantial, but Magistrate Brian van Zuylen said he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt both were guilty of intentionally causing serious injury or prolonged suffering of the animals.

He said in setting down an October sentencing date he would consider imposing prison sentences. RSPCA ACT chief executive Michael Linke said outside court, ''It's one of the most sickening cases of animal cruelty.'' Larobina's lawyer, Kamy Saeedi, said he would consider appealing against the verdict.

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