GEORGE SMITH CAUGHT IN LEICESTER HORSE ABUSE SCANDAL
In December 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded in Leicester involving George Smith, a 48-year-old man whose actions have shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike.Smith was found to have committed a heinous act of sexual assault against a horse, which he reportedly treated with an inappropriate level of attachment, likening the animal to a romantic partner.
The incident came to light when the horse's owner, who had become suspicious of Smith's behavior, discovered him in a compromising situation within the stable block where her horse was kept.
The owner had previously observed Smith loitering near the stables, raising her suspicions.
On the day of the incident, she returned to the property and found Smith standing on a crate behind her nine-year-old horse, Ruby.
He was caught with his trousers pulled down behind the horse, an act that left no doubt about his intentions.
The owner’s concern grew when she noticed other suspicious items at Smith’s residence, including ten soiled nappies, women’s underwear, and a teddy bear, which were found at his static caravan.
Smith, who owns two horses himself, was arrested and charged with sexual penetration of a living animal.
During the court proceedings at Leicester Magistrates Court, he pleaded guilty to the charges.
As a result, he was sentenced to four weeks in prison, a sentence that was suspended for 12 months.
Additionally, he received a ban from having any contact with animals for a period of ten years, reflecting the severity of his actions.
The victim impact statement, read aloud during the court session, was emotionally charged.
The owner, who cannot be named for legal reasons, expressed her deep distress over the incident.
She revealed that her 10-year-old daughter is now afraid to visit the stables, fearing that Smith might return and pose a danger to their safety.
The owner also remarked on Smith’s fixation with Ruby, stating, “George looks at Ruby as some kind of partner or girlfriend.
He seems fixated on her while I doubt he even knows my other horses’ names.” Details of the incident on March 10 were recounted by prosecutor Sally Bedford.
She explained that the owner had become suspicious after noticing Smith lurking in his Land Rover near the stables after closing up for the day.
When she returned to investigate, she found Smith engaged in sexual activity with her horse.
Her partner intervened and detained Smith until police arrived.
Further investigations revealed a history of suspicious behavior by Smith.
In 2016, the owner had seen him leaving the stable with his shirt lifted and his trousers zipped up, raising concerns about his conduct.
On another occasion, Smith reportedly told her he had seen someone else interfering with her horse, adding to the suspicion.
Forensic evidence confirmed Smith’s involvement, as investigators collected swabs from the horse’s vagina that matched his DNA.
Following his guilty plea, Smith was also ordered to complete 120 hours of community service and pay £200 in court costs.
A restraining order was issued to prevent him from contacting Ruby’s owners or purchasing nappies, ensuring he remains barred from any further contact with the animals involved in the case.
