A 19-year-old man has admitted trying to have sex with a Shetland pony named Cheeky. Thomas Mikaelson made his first appearance at Leeds Crown Court today, charged with a sexual offence.
Mikaelson, of Hall Cross Grove, Lowerhouses, Huddersfield, pleaded guilty to attempting to allow sexual penetration by a living animal. He was dressed in a light-grey suit jacket paired with light-grey Hollister jeans.
Incident at Gledhill Farm
The court heard the charge relates to an incident on August 24 last year against Cheeky, a Shetland pony, at Gledhill Farm in Almondbury. Mikaelson denied a second offence of recklessly trespassing to commit a relevant sexual offence, reports YorkshireLive.
Prosecutor Robert Galley told the court the pleas were acceptable to the Crown and that he had been instructed to invite the second charge to lie on file. The prosecutor said both he and defence counsel Ms Randell had agreed a sentencing date.
Judge's remarks
His Honour Judge Phillips KC told the court: "The farmer concerned has supplied a victim impact statement and I think that he ought to be given the opportunity of attending court at sentencing. It clearly has had an impact in more than one respect upon the farm and those involved in its operation."
He told Mikaelson: "You pleaded guilty to the offence at count one. I'm not going to pass sentence today. Your case will be listed for sentence on the 17 November. There will be a 30-minute time estimate."
Bail and sentencing
Mikaelson was bailed with instructions to attend court on November 17. The judge added: "The fact I'm adjourning the sentence in order for the Probation Service to prepare a report on you to address the risk you pose to the public in future should not be taken by you as an indication of what the sentence will be."
As he left court supported by two women, Mikaelson wore a large black head covering.
