Horse puncher jailed

It was a bizarre images from a dark day of football violence in the North East.

44-year-old Barry Rogerson was caught on camera punching a police horse following Newcastle's home defeat to Sunderland last April.

He was jailed for 12 months for his crime. Gregg Easteal reports.

A man has been jailed for 12 months for punching a police horse in the face after a match between Newcastle United and Sunderland.

Forty-five-year-old Barry Rogerson, of Bedlington, Northumberland, last month pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder.

At Newcastle Crown Court today (Thursday) Rogerson was also given a six year football banning order.

His Honour Judge Paul Sloan QC said: "You attended the football match and by the time the match ended you were worse for wear from drinking while taking your medication.

"You were clapping your hands at the police horse, remaining there despite repeated requests to move.

"You had plenty opportunity to move away but punched the horse in the head."

Rogerson was one of seven men being dealt with by Newcastle Crown Court having pleaded guilty to violent disorder. All were jailed.

A football fan who admitted punching a police horse after a derby day match has been jailed for 12 months.

The 45-year-old Barry Rogerson, of Bedlington, Northumberland, attacked the animal outside St James' Park after the game between Newcastle United and Sunderland on April 14.