PHILLIP HENRY OF DOVER CONVICTED FOR BESTIALITY INVOLVING HORSE AT LOCAL STABLES

Phillip Henry, a construction worker residing on Auckland Crescent in Dover, has been found guilty of a disturbing act of bestiality involving a horse named Betty at a private stable in Dover. Born around 1987, Henry has a troubling criminal history that includes previous convictions for possession of child pornography and the sexual assault of two underage girls. His latest offense, which came to light on April 16, 2021, has shocked the local community and prompted a serious legal response.

According to court proceedings, Henry was caught in the act by a stable-hand at Longhill Livery in Dover. The incident occurred in a field where the stable employee noticed that one of the horses was missing. Upon investigation, she observed Henry, who was not known to her, standing behind the horse, Betty, with his trousers around his ankles. The stable-hand witnessed Henry engaging in sexual activity with the animal, which she described as thrusting back and forth while wearing yellow high-visibility trousers that were pulled down.

The stable employee did not flee but instead confronted Henry, who responded by casually pulling up his trousers and exposing himself. She then gave chase, but Henry managed to escape across a nearby field. She promptly alerted the horse’s owner, who acted swiftly by calling a veterinarian to attend the scene and take swabs for forensic analysis.

Forensic examination revealed that DNA from Henry was present in samples taken from Betty’s vagina, confirming his involvement. Despite initial denials, where Henry claimed that the horse had been contaminated with sperm inadvertently after ejaculation in the field, he later pleaded guilty to the charge of having sexual intercourse with a living animal, specifically a horse. This act carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

During the investigation, police also found 13.3 grams of cannabis at Henry’s residence. He was subsequently arrested on charges of cannabis possession and the bestiality offense. Fortunately, the court was informed that Betty did not suffer any physical harm from the incident, although the method Henry used to restrain the large breed horse, which can weigh up to 50 stone, remains unknown.

Henry’s legal representatives, led by solicitor John O’Connor, presented a mitigation statement emphasizing that Henry receives full support from his mother and step-father, who attended the sentencing hearing. They expressed confusion and distress over the events that transpired two years prior, suggesting that Henry’s actions may have been influenced by stress at work and the recent loss of two family members. O’Connor argued that Henry has a genuine prospect for rehabilitation and is suitable for unpaid weekend work. He also advocated for Henry’s participation in a sex offender rehabilitation program, which his partner also supports.

Furthermore, O’Connor highlighted that immediate imprisonment would place a significant financial strain on Henry’s partner, risking her ability to maintain their home. He requested the court to consider a suspended sentence, noting that Henry’s employment does not require him to be near stables or horses.

However, Judge Douglas Marks Moore was unpersuaded by these arguments. He sentenced Henry to eight months in prison, describing his actions as “beyond contemplation – reprehensible, appalling, disgusting.” The judge emphasized the importance of societal condemnation for such offenses, stating, “In my judgment there is sometimes an offence of such a nature that courts must mark society’s disapproval and abhorrence. And in my view, this is such a case.”

Following the sentencing, Henry was heard expressing remorse, saying, “Oh, that’s not good – I love you mum.” He was also prohibited from being at any stable or place where horses are housed and from having unsupervised contact with equine animals, reflecting the court’s efforts to prevent any future incidents involving horses in Dover.