No horsing around

The tale of the defendant found guilty of 'an improper relationship' with a horse who was told by the judge that he needed to be 'in a more stable environment' (see [2000] Gazette, 11 May, 14) has inspired Worcestershire sole practitioner Penny Raby to recount the trial of a flasher at Bradford Magistrates Court one Christmas Eve.

While many in the court were already in a festive mood, the chairman of the bench was unimpressed by the frivolity and said the defendant had committed a very serious offence.

In the circumstances, the magistrates apparently considered there was no alternative but to impose a heavy penalty on the flasher.

'We will make him feel it through his pocket,' the chairman gravely concluded.