SAM SMITH FROM KESSINGLAND SENTENCED AFTER HORSE HANGING INCIDENT NEAR LOWESTOFT

Sam Smith, a resident of the travellers site on Romany Lane in Kessingland, Lowestoft, was convicted in 2013 for a disturbing incident involving the neglect and suffering of a young horse. The case drew significant attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the horse, which was found hanging from a cliff face in Pakefield, near Lowestoft, in March of that year.

Smith, born around 1959, was held responsible for failing to protect the horse, an unnamed colt, which was discovered suspended from a tether around its neck on a cliff face. The horse’s distressing condition prompted immediate intervention from local animal welfare authorities. Smith admitted to causing unnecessary suffering and neglecting the welfare needs of the horse, which led to his conviction.

The RSPCA responded swiftly to the scene, with inspector Nicky Thorne being dispatched to the location near Pontins Holiday Park. Upon arrival, she managed to carefully cut the horse free using her pocket knife. The rescue operation was extensive, lasting approximately six hours, during which the unconscious pony was carefully extracted from the beach area with assistance from the fire service. The horse was then transported to the Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk for urgent medical treatment.

Despite the efforts of the rescue team, the young horse, which Ms. Thorne named Frank after Frank Sinatra due to his striking blue eyes, tragically succumbed to a collapsed windpipe upon arrival at the sanctuary. The loss was deeply felt by all involved, especially Ms. Thorne, who expressed her emotional distress over the incident. She stated, “I was so upset; I kept telling the horse he would be the most famous and looked after horse in Suffolk if he pulled through. To lose him after six hours of trying to save him was awful.” She also praised the collective efforts of the fire service, coastguard, and Redwings staff, emphasizing their dedication in attempting to save Frank’s life.

Nic de Brauwere, the senior veterinary surgeon at Redwings, commented on the incident, highlighting the suffering endured by the horse. “There is no doubt that young Frank suffered terribly, which is harrowing enough in itself. But what is most upsetting is the knowledge that the whole incident was completely unnecessary,” he said.

Following the conviction, Sam Smith was sentenced to serve eight weeks in prison. Additionally, he received a ban from keeping any animals for a period of 15 years, a restriction that will remain in effect until October 2028. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the legal consequences of neglect and cruelty towards animals, especially in rural and traveller communities like Kessingland and Lowestoft.