ISAAC CLULEY'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN AYLESSTONE: LEICESTER HORSE ABUSE SHOCKER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Aylestone and the wider Leicester area, Isaac Cluley, a 23-year-old man, was sentenced for heinous acts involving a family’s beloved pony. The incident, which took place in the early hours, involved the sexual assault of a defenseless animal, leading to emotional distress for the owner and widespread concern about animal cruelty in the region.

Cluley had previously been convicted in 2016 for a similar offence involving a different horse, for which he received a community order. However, his repeated offending has raised serious questions about his mental health and the effectiveness of prior sanctions. The latest incident came to light when a friend of Cluley, borrowing his mobile phone last summer, stumbled upon a disturbing video showing the defendant engaged in sexual acts with a horse. The friend, shocked and appalled, was concerned about Cluley’s state of intoxication and decided to contact the police after witnessing the footage.

Leicester Crown Court heard that Cluley was heavily intoxicated at the time and appeared to be in considerable distress following his arrest. During police interviews, he expressed a desire for help with his mental health, citing increased alcohol consumption as a contributing factor. The court was also informed that Cluley possessed extreme pornography, including videos and images related to the pony and other obscene material downloaded from the internet.

The owner of the pony, a woman aged 44, attended the court to deliver a heartfelt personal impact statement. She explained that she had purchased the Shetland pony ten years ago for her five-year-old son, and the two had shared a close bond. She recounted her suspicions that her animals had been frightened or disturbed, noting a sudden change in their behavior, especially in her small Shetland mare, which is only ten hands high. The pony had become unusually fearful, nervous, and even aggressive towards her teenage son, as if to kick him, which was uncharacteristic behavior.

She described the emotional toll the incident had taken on her family, including the financial burden of installing a CCTV camera costing £286 to monitor her animals’ safety. A veterinary forensic examination of the pony cost her an additional £60. The pony, which was previously outdoor-oriented, is now kept securely in a stable overnight, as the offence is believed to have occurred during the early hours. The owner expressed her deep concern about the repeated abuse, stating, “The fact someone was walking around and prepared to rape an animal on more than one occasion (because of the previous conviction) concerns me greatly.” She also voiced her anxiety over the unknown extent of the abuse, saying, “I don’t know how many times it’s happened.”

She sobbed as she described her beloved pony’s changed demeanor, noting that the animal, once trusting and gentle, now exhibits wariness and defensiveness. The owner expressed her anger and disappointment, stating, “If it was down to me he would be in custody now. I can only hope whatever his rehabilitation involves, that it works. I can’t forgive what he did to a harmless animal, and I’ve heard nothing to explain why he’s done it. He’s shown no remorse.”

Cluley, who is unemployed and resides on Milligan Road in Aylestone, Leicester, was sentenced to a six-month jail term, suspended for two years. The court also ordered him to participate in up to 40 days of a sex offender rehabilitation program and to pay the pony’s owner £350 in compensation. Additionally, he was placed under a two-month electronically monitored home curfew from 8 pm to 8 am, and he will be registered as a sex offender for five years. A sexual harm prevention order was also issued, restricting him from entering any animal enclosures or fields alone, and prohibiting him from working with animals or owning any without prior approval from his offender manager.

During the sentencing, Recorder William Edis QC highlighted the disturbing nature of Cluley’s repeated offences, stating, “For the second time in your life, you’re before the court for having sexual intercourse with a horse, and that is an alarming picture.” He questioned whether Cluley’s actions stemmed from overpowering sexual interests, a cry for help, or attention-seeking behavior. The judge emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues and protecting society and animals from further harm. Despite acknowledging that a prison sentence might be justified, Recorder Edis expressed hope that the rehabilitation process would be effective, noting that no clear explanation for Cluley’s behavior had been provided despite extensive psychological assessments.

He also expressed concern for the emotional pain inflicted on the pony’s owner and her family, emphasizing that these are not victimless crimes. The judge remarked on the lasting impact on the family, especially the bond between the pony and her young owner, which may never be the same again. The case has left the community in shock, raising urgent questions about animal welfare and the need for stricter measures to prevent such disturbing acts in the future.