Rare Victorian Law Used to Prosecute Drunk Horse Rider

A rare Victorian law, dating back 153 years, was invoked in the case of Stuart Evans, who was charged with riding his horse while intoxicated after being spotted outside a pub. Officers responded to reports of a horse and carriage being operated recklessly without appropriate safety measures, such as lights or reflective gear, during dusk.

Upon arrival at the Half Way House pub, police found Evans showing signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and unsteady movements. He became confrontational when asked to provide his personal details and admitted to having consumed alcohol throughout the day.

After the authorities arrested him for being drunk in charge of a horse, they searched Evans and discovered cannabis intended for personal use. In court, it was clarified that while much of the original law has been repealed, the offense remains on the books, allowing for prosecution of individuals in charge of various means of transport while under the influence.

Ultimately, Evans pled guilty to the charges, acknowledging his situation, and the magistrates fined him £80 for the cannabis possession. Remarkably, they chose not to impose any additional fines for the drunk riding offense, though he was ordered to pay a surcharge and legal costs. The outdated statutes state that public intoxication can incur fines or imprisonment, but Evans' case did not attract further penalties aside from the cannabis charge.