ABDUL GHANI SENTENCED IN BRADFORD FOR BESTIALITY INCIDENT INVOLVING PONY
Abdul Ghani, born April 1997 and residing at 28 Beamsley Road, Frizinghall, Bradford BD18 2DR, was convicted of a serious animal cruelty offence involving a Shetland Pony.The incident occurred in September 2018 when Ghani, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, entered a field in Bradford at night and engaged in sexual acts with the pony after secretly approaching the animals' enclosure.
Ghani pleaded guilty to having intercourse with an animal, after investigations revealed his reconnaissance of the field beforehand.
Prosecutor Michael Collins informed the court that police discovered 993 internet searches on Ghani’s phone related to bestiality, especially with horses.
In August 2018, the pony’s owners, a mother and daughter, found unusual items in the horses’ field shelter, including a till receipt, a torch, a cucumber, a scrubbing brush, and a bag of carrots.
The following month, the owners observed that the pony’s tail was out of place, taped, and had hairs missing, with a greasy substance on her hindquarters.
Nearby, investigators found black tape, a bandage, and a lump of sugar which the owners confirmed was not intended for the horses.
The owners reported their suspicions to police, and the pony was examined by a veterinarian.
DNA evidence linked the incident to Ghani.
During a police patrol, officers spotted a blue Toyota Yaris near the field.
Inside were a large cucumber, baby oil, and a bag of carrots.
A black rucksack found in the area contained apples, carrots, biscuits, rope, and silver tape.
Ghani’s vehicle was traced back to him, leading to his arrest.
He initially denied any wrongdoing but claimed he 'loved the wild' and went out at night to watch owls and foxes.
When questioned about the rope found in the field, he said it was to climb trees to observe owls.
He made no comment when informed that his DNA was present at the scene.
Ghani has a criminal history with seven convictions for 17 offences, mostly related to alcohol, drugs, and driving violations.
His barrister, Jonathan Turner, stated that Ghani was deeply ashamed and embarrassed, emphasizing that near four years had passed since the offence and that he had led a lawful life since then.
Mr.
Turner acknowledged that, apart from the pony not being injured, there was little positive to say about the offence and explained that Ghani committed the act under the influence of substances.
He further explained that Ghani’s actions were not part of a fantasy but rather a manifestation of strange behavior, describing it as feeling like being in a dream.
Ghani’s mental health was assessed by a psychiatrist, who did not find him to be mentally ill.
Judge Andrew Hatton addressed the court, noting that Ghani had denied the offence up until the trial despite overwhelming evidence.
Ghani’s prior reconnaissance of the field and his internet searches demonstrated planning and a clear interest in bestiality with horses.
The judge remarked that although there was a delay in sentencing, Ghani could have been sentenced nearly 18 months earlier had he pled guilty.
The judge emphasized the importance of animal safety, stating, “Owners of horses and ponies are entitled to feel their animals are safe from people like you.
The message must go out that this sort of grossly unnatural behaviour will not be considered for suspended sentences of imprisonment.” He described the act as “a well-planned and deliberate descent into bestiality,” condemning it as more than an isolated incident.
Ghani was sentenced to 10 months in prison.
Additionally, he received a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from entering land where horses, ponies, or donkeys are kept, for the duration of the order.
He is also disqualified from driving for two years and five months, and will be required to sign the sex offender register for ten years.
He was ordered to pay £110 in compensation for veterinary expenses.
The case was reported by the Telegraph and Argus, as well as Examiner Live.
