A Norfolk man has been jailed for a "sadistic" sex attack on a horse, which left the animal with internal injuries.
Andrew Main, 36, of Lammas Road, Tasburgh, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal during an earlier hearing at Norwich Magistrates' Court.
He was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 18th March 2025.
Causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal is an offence under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2004. The maximum sentence is 5 years' custody and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment; 12 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.
The court heard that the 36-year-old loner broke into stables at the Redwings Horse Sanctuary, near Newton Flotman, late on the evening of Wednesday, 29th May 2024.
CCTV footage caught him entering the stable fully clothed and later re-emerging in a state of undress. Footage also showed the horse, a mare called Louise, becoming distressed and trying to bolt during the attack.
A veterinary surgeon later examined Louise and found internal injuries consistent with "forceful penetration".
Main's guilty plea was made on the basis that he penetrated the horse with his hand.
Lisa Robinson, mitigating, said: "He has deep shame and regret over the incident.
"If he could go back he would never do this again."
Ms Robinson said that her client lived at home with his parents and was unemployed as he was "too ashamed" to tell prospective employers about his crime.
Deputy District Judge Sundeep Pankhania, sentencing, said: "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."
DDJ Pankhania was of the view that the offence was so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.
Main was sentenced to 20 weeks' custody.
He was also ordered to pay £154 surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.
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