A 19-year-old man has admitted trying to have sex with a Shetland pony called Cheeky. Thomas Mikaelson, of Lowerhouses in Huddersfield, pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to attempting to allow sexual penetration by a living animal.
Mikaelson admitted the offence against the pony at Gledhill Farm in Almondbury, West Yorkshire, on August 24, 2025. He denied a second charge of recklessly trespassing to commit a sexual offence during his appearance in court on Wednesday, September 30.
Court Proceedings
Prosecutor Robert Galley told the court that the Crown accepted Mikaelson's pleas and asked for the second charge to lie on file. The term is used when it is not in the public interest to prosecute a charge, but that same charge could still be reinstated at a later date.
Judge Phillips KC told the court the farmer concerned in the case supplied a victim impact statement, YorkshireLive reports. Mr Phillips said: "I think that he ought to be given the opportunity of attending court at sentencing."
Sentencing Due
Mr Phillips added: "It clearly has had an impact in more than one respect upon the farm and those involved in its operation."
Mikaelson, who wore a light grey suit jacket and grey jeans in court, is due to be sentenced on November 17. The Probation Service was instructed by the court to prepare a report on the defendant and any risk he poses to the public.
Mikaelson covered his head as he left the court building, supported by two women.
