Stuart Evans, 33, was charged under a rare Victorian law for being drunk in charge of a horse outside a pub in Runcorn, Cheshire. He was found heavily intoxicated and unsteady on his feet after drinking heavily at the pub. Evans admitted the offence in court and was fined £80 for possession of cannabis but faced no separate penalty for being drunk in charge of a horse.

The ancient law, Section 12 of the Licensing Act, once imposed a 40 shilling fine or a month’s hard labour for being drunk in charge of a horse. While much of the law has been repealed, culprits can still be prosecuted for being drunk in charge of cattle, a steam engine, or a bicycle. Evans, who was between jobs and trying to claim benefits, had no representation in court and chose to plead guilty to get the matter resolved.

The court clerk explained that being drunk in charge of a horse is a common law offence dating back many years. Offenders found drunk in any public place can be liable to a penalty not exceeding forty shillings or imprisonment with hard labour for up to one month. Evans was fined £80 for possession of cannabis and ordered to pay a surcharge and costs, but faced no additional penalty for being drunk in charge of a horse.