GARY SANDERSON OF FOCHRIW CONVICTED OF HORSE CRUELTY AND NEGLECT IN YORK
| Red Rose Database
Fochriw Animal Abuser
Gary Sanderson, a horse trainer born on July 9, 1963, and residing at Lilling Hall Farm in Sheriff Hutton, York, with a known connection to Fochriw, has been found guilty of multiple charges related to the cruelty and neglect of several horses. The conviction was handed down by York Magistrates’ Court after a comprehensive and lengthy trial that scrutinized his care practices and treatment of the animals under his supervision.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Sanderson, who operates under the business names Lilling Hall Racing and Lilling Hall Farm, maintained a starkly divided approach to his horses. Witnesses testified that he prioritized the care of horses that generated income for him, while neglecting those that did not. The court heard detailed accounts of the conditions in which the horses were kept, with inspectors from the RSPCA discovering horses suffering from lice and worm infestations, poor dental health, overgrown hooves, and overall poor physical condition. Many of these animals were found living without adequate nutrition or proper feed, raising serious concerns about their welfare.
Further evidence presented indicated that Sanderson had failed to seek veterinary treatment for a horse that was wounded and another that was in a visibly poor state of health. It was also noted that he did not take measures to protect the horses from pain and suffering, and one mare had managed to access dilapidated farm buildings where she could have been harmed. These findings painted a troubling picture of neglect and disregard for animal welfare.
Throughout the trial, Sanderson’s defense, led by barrister Christopher Moran, argued that he is deeply passionate about horses and has dedicated his life to their care. However, the court was told that his professional license as a trainer was suspended following the charges, and he would not be able to regain it. Sanderson denied nine charges of cruelty and neglect, which involved mares used for breeding purposes and a gelding. Despite his denial, the court found him guilty after considering all evidence.
Judge Adrian Lower addressed Sanderson directly, stating, “You were well able to look after the horses in the yard because they made money for you. They were racehorses.” He further emphasized that the horses in question, particularly the mares and the gelding, were not cared for properly because they had no financial value beyond breeding. The judge expressed concern that the British horse licensing authority would likely determine that Sanderson was “not a fit and proper person” to hold a training license as a result of these convictions.
As part of the court’s ruling, Sanderson was ordered to surrender the horses that had been subjected to cruelty or neglect. Although the judge initially considered disqualifying him from owning or caring for horses, he ultimately decided against it, citing that subsequent inspections by the RSPCA had not revealed ongoing concerns. The court also ordered Sanderson to pay the RSPCA’s prosecution costs, amounting to £94,482, but his legal representative, Moran, pointed out that Sanderson lacked the financial means to do so, as he and his wife, Lynne Sanderson, testified that he owns no property and relies on her income from hairdressing and caravan businesses.
Both Sanderson and his wife confirmed that he continues to breed horses, although their business is not profitable due to the lengthy period between conception and sale-ready foals. The judge noted that the RSPCA could pursue civil action to recover costs if necessary. Moran added that the lengthy legal process had already taken a toll on Sanderson’s mental health and marriage, with the initial court appearance dating back to 2019 and subsequent delays caused by the pandemic and court scheduling issues.
In sentencing, the court imposed a deprivation order on the horses involved in the abuse and neglect cases. However, Sanderson was not banned from owning or caring for animals in the future. The court also ordered him to pay the RSPCA’s costs, though he claimed financial hardship. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of those involved in equine care in the region.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Sanderson, who operates under the business names Lilling Hall Racing and Lilling Hall Farm, maintained a starkly divided approach to his horses. Witnesses testified that he prioritized the care of horses that generated income for him, while neglecting those that did not. The court heard detailed accounts of the conditions in which the horses were kept, with inspectors from the RSPCA discovering horses suffering from lice and worm infestations, poor dental health, overgrown hooves, and overall poor physical condition. Many of these animals were found living without adequate nutrition or proper feed, raising serious concerns about their welfare.
Further evidence presented indicated that Sanderson had failed to seek veterinary treatment for a horse that was wounded and another that was in a visibly poor state of health. It was also noted that he did not take measures to protect the horses from pain and suffering, and one mare had managed to access dilapidated farm buildings where she could have been harmed. These findings painted a troubling picture of neglect and disregard for animal welfare.
Throughout the trial, Sanderson’s defense, led by barrister Christopher Moran, argued that he is deeply passionate about horses and has dedicated his life to their care. However, the court was told that his professional license as a trainer was suspended following the charges, and he would not be able to regain it. Sanderson denied nine charges of cruelty and neglect, which involved mares used for breeding purposes and a gelding. Despite his denial, the court found him guilty after considering all evidence.
Judge Adrian Lower addressed Sanderson directly, stating, “You were well able to look after the horses in the yard because they made money for you. They were racehorses.” He further emphasized that the horses in question, particularly the mares and the gelding, were not cared for properly because they had no financial value beyond breeding. The judge expressed concern that the British horse licensing authority would likely determine that Sanderson was “not a fit and proper person” to hold a training license as a result of these convictions.
As part of the court’s ruling, Sanderson was ordered to surrender the horses that had been subjected to cruelty or neglect. Although the judge initially considered disqualifying him from owning or caring for horses, he ultimately decided against it, citing that subsequent inspections by the RSPCA had not revealed ongoing concerns. The court also ordered Sanderson to pay the RSPCA’s prosecution costs, amounting to £94,482, but his legal representative, Moran, pointed out that Sanderson lacked the financial means to do so, as he and his wife, Lynne Sanderson, testified that he owns no property and relies on her income from hairdressing and caravan businesses.
Both Sanderson and his wife confirmed that he continues to breed horses, although their business is not profitable due to the lengthy period between conception and sale-ready foals. The judge noted that the RSPCA could pursue civil action to recover costs if necessary. Moran added that the lengthy legal process had already taken a toll on Sanderson’s mental health and marriage, with the initial court appearance dating back to 2019 and subsequent delays caused by the pandemic and court scheduling issues.
In sentencing, the court imposed a deprivation order on the horses involved in the abuse and neglect cases. However, Sanderson was not banned from owning or caring for animals in the future. The court also ordered him to pay the RSPCA’s costs, though he claimed financial hardship. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of those involved in equine care in the region.