A man who injured a horse after hitting it with his car and then failed to stop was convicted in court yesterday (Monday 2 December).
Rob McGregor, who is 77 and lives in Hambleton near Selby in North Yorkshire, struck the hind leg of the horse as he attempted to overtake it in his Kia car.
Mr McGregor failed to stop after the incident and continued to drive home. He was followed from the scene of the collision in Hambleton to his address and the incident was reported to the police.
The horse suffered leg injuries and had to be seen by a vet while the rider sustained whiplash.
Guilty plea
Mr McGregor was prosecuted and sentenced for driving without due care and attention, and for failing to stop after a collision.
He pleaded guilty at York Magistrate’s Court and received eight penalty points on his licence and ordered to pay more than £2,200 in fines, court costs and victim surcharges after the victim incurred more than £470 of veterinary bills.
Following the conviction, North Yorkshire Police reminded motorists of the need to slow down and give plenty of room when passing horses, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
“A few seconds’ loss of concentration is all it takes to cause injuries that last a lifetime and even fatalities,” said PC Sam Potts on the North Yorkshire Police – Selby area Facebook page.
“Motorists need to remember the ‘ten and two’ rule when passing horses – allow two metres and limit your speed to 10mph.
“North Yorkshire is a rural county which is popular with horse riders, cyclists and has a lot of wildlife and livestock that can wander into the path of traffic, so it’s always important to expect the unexpected.”
