Half-naked man caught on CCTV sexually assaulting horse learns his destiny
Andrew Main, 36, broke into the Redwings Horse Sanctuary at Hapton Hall, near Newton Flotman, Norfolk and was caught on CCTV fleeing the stables semi-clothed after the attack
A man has been jailed for “forcefully penetrating” a horse after he was spotted on CCTV fleeing the stables semi-clothed.
Andrew Main, 36, committed the horrific attack at night after breaking into stables run by the Redwings Horse Sanctuary at Hapton Hall, near Newton Flotman, Norfolk, on May 29 last year.
Norwich Magistrates’ Court heard how CCTV cameras captured him entering the stable block and later re-emerging partially clothed, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Footage also showed the horse, a mare named Louise, in a state of distress and attempting to bolt during the incident, said prosecutor Paul Brown.
A vet called in to treat the horse after the sadistic attack found it had suffered internal injuries and was left with “trauma”.
Main is thought to have parked in a nearby lay-by before sneaking into the sanctuary to carry out his planned attack. The judge stated Main even moved the defenceless animal in an attempt to avoid being caught on camera.
Main, of Tasburgh, Norfolk, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal on the basis he had used his hand to penetrate the horse. He was jailed for 20 weeks.
Deputy District Judge Sundeep Pankhania told him: “This offence was sadistic and what makes it all the worse was that it was committed on a defenceless horse.
“I don’t accept the suggestion that this was a moment of madness. There was clearly a sexual element to the offence. The mare had been caused ‘trauma, discomfort if not pain. In my view, the only appropriate punishment is immediate custody.”
Lisa Robinson, defending Main, said: “He has deep shame and regret over the incident. If he could go back he would never do this again.”
She also mentioned Main lived at home with his parents and was unemployed as he claimed was “too ashamed” to reveal the offence to potential employers.
A spokesperson for Redwings Horse Sanctuary told the Daily Mail: “We have not discussed the matter until now, partly because it was an active police investigation but also because the details were so distressing.
“As a charity that rescues horses from cruelty and neglect, it is abhorrent to us that our horses would be subjected to such a depraved and wicked attack at one of our own sites, and we are all absolutely devastated.
“We would like to reassure our kind supporters that the horse involved was monitored and cared for by our experienced in-house vets and has since fully recovered.
“Naturally our care staff have been deeply upset by what happened and have been offered support throughout the investigation. We are pleased to see justice in this extremely disturbing case.”
