WARPED MAN CAUGHT HAVING SEX WITH A HORSE
2017.A man described as a “deviant” for sexual misconduct with a horse failed to convince high-level judges that he poses no “dangerous” threat.
Julian Mark Ridgeway, aged 54, targeted a seven-year-old mare named Honey at her stable on a farm in West Yorkshire.
During proceedings, it was revealed that the mare had not been bred by a stallion before.
Ridgeway apparently groomed Honey in her stall, leading her in a manner that was deemed inappropriate.
Honey’s owner suspected her of being interfered with when she noticed the mare, usually lively and spirited, had become subdued.
Along with her husband, the owner concealed herself in the darkness on the night of May 10 of the previous year to observe the situation.
The owners saw Ridgeway entering the farm in Netherton, leading Honey away from her resting space.
When confronted, Ridgeway swore at them and fled the scene.
Following his escape, Ridgeway, from South Lane, Netherton, Wakefield, was arrested.
He denied the allegations of molesting Honey, but forensic tests matched him with DNA evidence linking him to the scene.
In February, he was sentenced to four years in prison with an additional six-year extension license after being convicted of animal sexual assault and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offense.
The court declared him a “dangerous” offender.
His legal representatives requested that Lady Justice Sharp, Mr.
Justice Jeremy Baker, and Judge Mark Wall QC reduce his sentence.
Ridgeway continues to deny any sexual interest in horses, despite the DNA evidence, and police previously found equine pornography at his residence.
The court also noted Ridgeway’s history of violence, including a prior conviction for attempted murder after he strangled a 16-year-old girl.
In 1990, the girl had caught him naked from the waist down behind her pony, leading to his serving an eight-year sentence for that assault.
