Johnny Depp's wife Amber Heard has avoided conviction in her dog-smuggling case after pleading guilty to supplying false documents. The actress initially faced a possible ten year jail term for illegally importing the couple's pet dogs into Australia in May 2015, and producing a false document.
The illegal importation charges were both dropped after Amber confessed to providing false information on her arrival card when she landed in the country. The 29-year-old was reportedly under the impression that Johnny's staff had dealt with travel forms for the couple's pet dogs, Pistol and Boo, when they were bought into Australia in April.
Amber Heard avoided conviction in her dog smuggling case
The couple put on a united front as they walked arm-in-arm into Southport Magistrate's Court in Queensland on Monday. The judge reportedly agreed that no conviction needs to be recorded and gave her a one month good behaviour bond, which she must pay £540 ($1,000) if it is broken.
Amber and Johnny have also released a video apology for their actions, in which they also urge tourists to "declare everything when you enter Australia". The video was shared online by the Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, who previously launched a scathing attack on Johnny for bringing the pets into Australia, where strict quarantine laws are in place to prevent diseases from spreading.
"Australia is a wonderful island with a treasure trove of unique plants, animals and people," Amber explains in the short clip.
The couple said they're "truly sorry" for bringing their dogs into Australia
"It must be protected," her husband adds.
Amber continues: "Australia is free of many pests and diseases that are common place around the world. That is why Australia has to have such strong biosecurity laws."
The 30-second clip finishes with Amber apologising for bringing the dogs into country without properly declaring their arrival.
"I am truly sorry Pistol and Boo were not declared," she said. "Protecting Australia is important."
The couple's Yorkshire Terriers were brought into Australia while Johnny was filming the fifth movie in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Australian authorities were only alerted to the presence of the dogs – Pistol and Boo – when a picture of them at a grooming parlour was posted online.