Drunk lumberjack gave pony and cart rides in pub car park

A lumberjack appeared in court today after breaking a 19th century law against being drunk in charge of a horse.
Robin MilnerRobin Milner
Robin Milner

Robin Milner, 49, was spotted by a police officer who suspected he was drunk while holding the reins of a horse and cart.

Milner had been horsing around in a pub car park giving children turns to ride in the cart with him following a family christening.

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But York Magistrates' Court heard Milner had then clipped another vehicle while hurtling around the premises and was arrested in relation to Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872.

Prosecutor Katy Varlow told the court: "A call came into a police officer at 7:50pm after a man's car was scratched in a pub car park.

"The officer attended and the defendant couldn't write down his address and was slurring his words.

"The defendant said he was not intoxicated, but declined when asked to give a sample of breath.

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"He was taken to the police station while he got someone to pick up the horse in a trailer."

Milner, who said he works as a logger and sells machinery, was arrested outside the Swan Hotel in South Milford, North Yorks., on July 30 this year.

The defendant at the time claimed he wasn't drunk and was not breaking the 145-year-old law, but later admitted the charge at the police station.

Milner, of Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorks., pleaded guilty to being drunk in charge of a horse in a public place.

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Milner, who appeared unrepresented in the dock, told the court: "I had been at a christening and had gone to the pub.

"I was giving the kiddies [children] a rides around the car park.

"All I had was four pints - I wasn't staggering about.

"I wasn't abusive and I kept calm when spoken to by the officer."

The court heard the defendant was last before the court in 2012 over production of a Class B drug.

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He also added that he didn't own a motorised vehicle and used his horse and cart as his mode of transport.

Milner was handed a six-month conditional discharge.

Senior Magistrate Margaret Scott told Milner: "You have kept out of trouble for some time.

"It would have been a fine for you today, but you have admitted guilt early.

"Next time, don't have a few and then drive a horse and cart."

He was also slapped with a £20 surcharge and £85 in court costs.

As he left the courtroom, Milner added: "I apologise to the court for wasting your time."