Man who punched police horse before football match is jailed

Watch: Derek Jennings attacks police horse Luna

A man has been jailed for punching a police horse before a Portsmouth v Southampton football match last year.

Derek Jennings became aggressive towards police officers, and rival Southampton fans, during the build-up to the game in Goldsmith Avenue in Portsmouth on 24 September 2019.

An officer riding police horse Luna, headed towards Jennings, who clenched his fist and punched the horse in her nose and mouth.

Luna instantly shied away from the attack but Jennings swung out at Luna twice more before he turned and attempted to run away.

The 53-year-old was arrested and charged with violent disorder, pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

On Friday (31 July) at Portsmouth Crown Court, Jennings was given a 20 month sentence and a 6 year football banning order.

Speaking after the hearing DCI John McGonigle said: “For a grown man to act in this way was deplorable, especially against an animal, who was simply there to help protect people who wanted to enjoy the game and get home safely."

Fortunately Luna was uninjured and was able to remain on duty.

Officers say she received plenty of care and attention, plus a few extra treats.

“We’d like to thank the public for the outpouring of support we received for Luna, it was very much appreciated.”