'I may as well go guilty as I don't have much of a choice', says man found drunk on a horse

A man has been brought before the court after he was found drunk while "riding" on a HORSE. Stuart Evans, 33, was discovered heavily intoxicated with the gelding outside a pub, following a report from a member of the public that he was using his horse and cart at dusk without any lights or reflective gear.

Officers reported that Evans became 'argumentative' and refused to provide his name and address when approached outside the Half Way House in Runcorn, Cheshire, on Boxing Day last year, where the horse and carriage were spotted in the car park. He was observed slurring his words and appeared unsteady on his feet after drinking heavily during the afternoon.

The pub has historically served as a resting stop for horse and carriage riders. Evans was charged under Section 12 of the Licensing Act for being drunk in charge of a horse, an offence which used to result in a 40 shilling fine or a month's imprisonment with hard labour if they failed to pay.

Much of this ancient and archaic law has since been repealed, with the maximum fine now set at £200. However, individuals can still be prosecuted for being drunk in charge of cattle, a steam engine, and a bicycle under the terms of the law.

At Warrington Magistrates' Court, Evans, a labourer who lives in Small Acre Caravan Park, Windmill Street, Runcorn, admitted the offence. He said: ''What was said is sufficiently accurate and I may as well go guilty as I don't have much of a choice. I have no representation or anything.

''I want to get this dealt with and sorted out. I am between labouring, little bits and pieces. I am trying to get my photo identification to claim benefits."

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The court heard the