MARK WOOLLEN FROM LONGBENTON SHAMES HIMSELF AFTER HORSE SEX SCANDAL IN NORTH TYNESIDE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Longbenton and the wider North Tyneside area, 33-year-old Mark Woollen has been exposed for engaging in highly inappropriate and criminal behavior involving horses. The incident, which took place at East Benton Stables, off Station Road in Wallsend, has left residents and horse owners alike appalled and deeply concerned about safety and morality.

According to court proceedings, Woollen was caught in a compromising position beside a horse, with his trousers around his ankles, actively involved in a sexual act with the animal. Witnesses reported seeing Woollen standing behind a horse, and when approached, he fled the scene. One of the witnesses, a stable worker, expressed her belief that Woollen had been engaging in sexual activity with the horse at that moment. Further reports indicated that Woollen had been seen with his trousers down and his hands between his legs at another stable, and on a separate occasion, he was observed riding a horse named Molly without any trousers on.

Prosecutor Mark Brennan detailed the disturbing nature of the case, stating, “A witness went into one stable and a man, identified as Woollen, was standing behind a horse. He ran off when spotted, and the witness believed he had been having sex with it. At another stable, a horse owner arrived to find Woollen with his trousers down and his hands in between his legs. On another occasion, Woollen was seen riding Molly without trousers.”

During his arrest, Woollen reportedly told police, “I’ve been a fool to myself,” and admitted to giving in to the temptation of having sex with horses. He also confessed to riding Molly without trousers for sexual gratification. Woollen pleaded guilty to engaging in intercourse with an animal and asked for seven similar offences to be taken into account during sentencing. In addition, he admitted to possessing amphetamines and cannabis, and to thefts involving items stolen from the horses, including riding equipment.

The court sentenced Woollen to a six-month jail term, which was suspended for two years. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for seven years, complete 100 hours of community service, and be subject to a two-year supervision order. Woollen’s criminal record includes two counts of drug possession and one theft, with additional thefts of riding equipment considered in the sentencing.

Following the case, Molly’s owner, Jean Day, expressed her relief that Woollen was placed on the sex offenders register but voiced her disappointment that he was not sent to prison. She described the incident as akin to a member of her family being raped, emphasizing the emotional trauma inflicted on her horse, Molly, who has been part of her family for 13 years. “It’s terrible to think what she has gone through,” she said. “Woollen disgusts me, and he should be ashamed of himself.”

Elizabeth Dunbar, Woollen’s defense attorney, stated that her client was extremely distressed and that his actions stemmed from personal problems. She emphasized that Woollen recognized he had issues and was seeking help, asserting that he needed treatment rather than punishment. Woollen, a resident of Goathland Avenue in Longbenton, was convicted of exposing himself and indecently assaulting Molly in March, a case that has garnered significant media attention and community concern.