Community order for punching police horse

A MAN who punched a police horse after England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia has been handed a community order.

Scott Spurling, 23, inset, had been watching the match at the Allstars bar in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, on July 11.

North Somerset Magistrates’ Court heard Spurling, inset, was involved in a fight outside the bar at about 9.50pm.

Spurling first punched 57-year-old Ron Ganfield, a former Premier League match official.

Police Sergeant David Williams, riding police horse Quantock, used a “leg yield” - moving diagonally - to break up the crowd.

As Quantock moved across, Spurling, of Weston-super-Mare, punched the horse before cheering. Spurling then punched Pc Mark Hodder, who attempted to arrest him. He was then taken to the ground and later charged with assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty, assault by beating and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Spurling admitted the three charges and was sentenced by magistrates. Chairman of the bench Adrienne Henderson sentenced Spurling to a 10-week community order and imposed a curfew from 7pm to 7am for the same period. She ordered him to pay £500 compensation to Mr Ganfield for the injury caused to him. Representing Spurling, Sue Cameron said Spurling had himself been attacked.