A man in the United Kingdom, was sentenced for sexually assaulting a horse after he was captured on CCTV sprinting away from the stables, partially clothed, while the animal was left behind suffering from severe internal injuries and evident distress.
Andrew Main, 36, carried out a disturbing attack under the cover of darkness after unlawfully entering stables operated by the Redwings Horse Sanctuary at Hapton Hall, near Newton Flotman, Norfolk, on May 29, 2024.
According to Daily Mail, during proceedings at Norwich Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Paul Brown detailed how CCTV cameras captured Main entering the stable block and later emerging partially dressed.
The footage also depicted the mare, Louise, exhibiting clear signs of distress, attempting to bolt during the ordeal.
Investigators believe Main had parked his vehicle in a nearby lay-by before making his way into the sanctuary.
The judge noted that Main had carefully orchestrated his actions, even going so far as to reposition the helpless animal in an effort to evade CCTV capture.
Following the brutal assault, a veterinarian was brought in to examine the mare. The expert later confirmed that the horse had sustained internal injuries as a result of “forceful penetration.”
Main, a resident of Tasburgh, Norfolk, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, claiming he had used his hand to penetrate the horse. As a result, he received a 20-week prison sentence.
During sentencing, Deputy District Judge Sundeep Pankhania condemned the act, stating, “This offence was sadistic, and what makes it all the worse was that it was committed on a defenceless horse.”
The judge dismissed any claim that Main’s actions were impulsive, emphasizing, “I don’t accept the suggestion that this was a moment of madness. There was clearly a sexual element to the offence.”
He further stated that the mare had suffered “trauma, discomfort if not pain,” and insisted, “In my view, the only appropriate punishment is immediate custody.”
Defending Main, Lisa Robinson told the court, “He has deep shame and regret over the incident. If he could go back, he would never do this again.”
She explained that Main, who lived with his parents, was currently unemployed, as he felt “too ashamed” to disclose his conviction to prospective employers.
