Christopher Rogers, a banned driver from Cornwall, crashed his van into a horse being ridden by an eight-year-old girl before driving off. He pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, driving while disqualified, and with no insurance. Rogers was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison and banned from driving for 22 months. The girl was airlifted to the hospital and the horse had to be put down.

Rogers briefly stopped after hitting the horse but then drove away from the scene and concealed his van. The eight-year-old girl was airlifted to the hospital, but her injuries were not as serious as initially thought. Both children involved were left traumatized by the incident. The court heard that Rogers was a “horse lover himself,” but magistrates noted the traumatic effect the incident had on the children and the violence against the animal.

The incident occurred near Altarnun, where Rogers hit the horse carrying the eight-year-old girl. The 61-year-old’s actions were described as a “tragic case” by his defense lawyer. Magistrates considered the impact on the children and the violence against the animal when handing down the 18-week prison sentence and 22-month driving ban.