PETER BOURNE FROM BORTH SENTENCED FOR HORSE SEXUAL ASSAULT IN MID WALES

In July 2020, a disturbing case involving a man from Borth, Mid Wales, culminated in a court sentencing that highlighted the severity of animal abuse and the importance of vigilant law enforcement. Peter Bourne, aged 33 and residing on Cliff Road in Borth, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two horses through a sexual assault involving a paintbrush.

The incident was captured on CCTV footage on September 19, 2019, revealing Bourne approaching the horses, named Hannah and Urani, from behind in a manner that indicated malicious intent. The footage showed him engaging in a sexual act with the animals using a paintbrush, an act that was both disturbing and illegal. After the assault, the footage depicted Bourne sniffing the paintbrush he had used, further emphasizing the bizarre and troubling nature of his actions.

Veterinary experts confirmed that both horses had suffered unnecessarily as a result of Bourne’s interference. The distress and harm inflicted upon Hannah and Urani were deemed significant, and the incident prompted a swift response from authorities.

At Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court, Bourne was sentenced to serve an eight-year ban on keeping any animals, a penalty that he is not permitted to appeal for a period of three years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service, pay costs amounting to £300, a victim surcharge of £90, and provide £150 in compensation to each of the horse owners.

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben expressed his concern over the case, stating, “Hannah and Urani are two horses who have been put through a horrific ordeal, which this individual must reasonably have known would cause them suffering. Fortunately, CCTV footage meant we could detect these crimes and take action. It must have been exceptionally distressing, too, for the horse’s owners to know a man targeted and interfered with these animals in such a manner. Thankfully, we have secured justice for the suffering these horses were caused by this man’s actions.”

Both horses have since recovered from the trauma and remain in the care of their respective owners. Hannah’s owner, Sue Neville, shared her emotional response, saying, “This has been such an emotional time for me, and the whole family. It was such a disturbing incident, that was really the last thing we expected to happen. If it wasn’t for the RSPCA, we would have been completely lost. They have helped secure justice for Hannah; and have been supportive and amazing throughout. We’ve moved house on the back of this incident, to protect our horse. It’s caused us a great deal of anxiety and worry. Hannah was always such a friendly and trusting horse; but she is now nervous and anxious to strangers. We are just so relieved justice has been served.”

Urani’s owner, Pippa Wells, also expressed her relief and disappointment, stating, “It’s been a really difficult time for us – and this is certainly not something you’d ever expect to happen. Without the RSPCA taking this forward, we wouldn’t have secured justice for Urani. This has totally transformed my opinion of the work of the RSPCA. Fortunately, Urani is now fine – but this is obviously something no horse should have to face. Thankfully, a positive outcome was secured at court.”