CONVICTED (2020) | football hooligan Derek Jennings, born c. 1967, of Laburnum Grove, Portsmouth PO2 0EU – punched a police horse on the nose then swung at her two more times
Jennings pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder after attacking police horse Luna before a local derby football match on 24 September 2019.
The court heard a police commander had noticed Jennings becoming aggressive towards officers and rival fans during the build-up to the match.
The officer riding Luna headed towards Jennings, who clenched his first and punched the horse on the nose. The mare shied away from the attack, but Jennings swung at Luna twice more before he attempted to run away. He was quickly arrested, however, and taken into custody
Luna was uninjured in the attack and able to remain on duty.
DCI John McGonigle of Hampshire Constabulary said: “For a grown man to act in this way was deplorable, especially against an animal, who was simply there to help protect people who wanted to enjoy the game and get home safely. We hope this sentence sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour or any disorder at any public event. Action will be taken and those responsible will be investigated.”
“We’d like to thank the public for the outpouring of support we received for Luna, it was very much appreciated,” he said.
Sentencing: 20 months in prison. Six-year football banning order.