British man fined for riding horse while drunk
LONDON Using a 19th-century law, a British flatter has fined a man 150 pounds ($215) after be admitted riding a horse while drunk.
Godfrey Blacklin pleaded guilty to a charge under the 1872 Licensing Act of substance inebriated in charge of a carriage horse, cattle or steam engine.
Prosecuting lawyer David Thompson told Newcastle Magistrates Court it was “not a tax you see each day.”
He said 31-year-old Blacklin was stopped by police while riding bareback in Newcastle, northeast England, in October. Officers found he was unsteady forward his feet and slurring his words.
Blacklin’s solicitor declared the defendant accepted he was drunk at the time.
Magistrates on Friday ordered him to pay the fine and 35 pounds ($50) in costs.
Original text: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008689499_apeuoddbritaindrunkonhorseback.html?syndication=rss
