A 36-YEAR-OLD man who had sex with a horse was told he was fortunate not to be going to prison.

Sentencing Shane Taylor-Waters, District Judge Lewis Jones said ordinary people would be repulsed by what he had done.

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“You ought to recognise that you need help and that you are fortunate not to be going to prison today,” said District Judge Jones.

Taylor-Waters, of Foster Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to sexual penetration of a horse.

He was made subject to a community order for two years with conditions that he attends the sex offender treatment programme and complete 30 days’ rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was ordered to pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge and made subject to a restraining order which prohibits him from approaching Town Bent stables in Oswaldtwistle.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Bernadette Hilary kept horses at the stables and when she went on a Sunday evening saw a dog running around the yard.

She realised someone was there and after she shouted Taylor-Waters came out of the stable of a mare called Izzy.

“When Mrs Hilary went into the stable it was clear someone had been in,” said Mrs Mann.

Mrs Hilary also had noticed handprints on the horse’s behind.

Previously the court had heard that Mrs Hilary had noticed a ‘substance’ on the back leg of one the horse.

She cleaned it off before contacting the police.

Mrs Hilary had also recognised Taylor-Waters as a member of staff at a shop.

When he was interviewed by police Taylor-Waters admitted having sex with the horse and filming it.

Richard Prew, defending, said the offence was committed in November 2015 and the matter had been hanging over his client.

“He has lost his family, his home and now his job as a result of this incident,” said Mr Prew.

“He needs closure on this and he needs to go forward with his life.”