A teenager from Huddersfield has admitted attempting to engage in sexual activity with a Shetland pony named Cheeky.
Thomas Mikaelson, 19, of Hall Cross Grove, Lowerhouses, Huddersfield, pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday (September 30) to attempting to allow sexual penetration by a living animal. The charge relates to an incident on August 24 last year involving the Shetland pony at Gledhill Farm in Almondbury.
Court hearing and pleas
Mikaelson, who wore a light-grey suit jacket and matching Hollister jeans, denied a second offence of recklessly trespassing to commit a relevant sexual offence. Prosecutor Robert Galley told the court that the pleas were acceptable to the Crown and that he had been instructed to let the second charge lie on file.
Both the prosecution and defence counsel Ms Randell agreed upon a sentencing date, reports Yorkshire Live.
Judge's remarks and sentencing date
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."
Addressing Mikaelson, the judge said: "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 November 17. There will be a 30-minute time estimate."
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."
Legal context
Mikaelson was granted bail with instructions to appear in court on November 17. As he left the courtroom, supported by two women, he wore a large black head covering.
In the UK, sexually abusing an animal is treated as a grave criminal offence, and prosecutors can use both sexual offences law and animal welfare legislation to bring cases. In England and Wales, the most specific "bestiality" offence sits in Section 69 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which makes it a crime to have sexual intercourse with a living animal. That law covers a person intentionally penetrating an animal's vagina or anus with their penis, as well as a person intentionally causing or allowing their own vagina or anus to be penetrated by an animal's penis.
