A 31-year-old man has been jailed for 14 months after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a horse in Redenhall, near Harleston earlier this year.

Alan Blackman, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court today, after admitting trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, and sexual penetration with a living animal at an earlier hearing in September.

A police CCTV appeal identified Blackman following the incident at farm stables off Green Lane in Redenhall on August 6, where a horse was subjected to an attack that last more than an hour.

The horse sustained wounds which needed veterinary treatment.

Blackman was arrested on August 18 where he was taken for questioning and later charged.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Alison Clabon said: “This was a shocking attack, which was not only distressing for the horse, but for the owners too.

“Blackman targeted a defenceless animal causing serious injuries, which is particularly harrowing. No one or no animal deserves to endure this kind of attack.

“Crimes such as this are very rare and today’s sentencing will hopefully send out a strong message that this sort of criminality will not be tolerated and the justice system will come down hard on those who feel they can get away with such a horrifying crime.”