Horse punch man Barry Rogerson faces jail, judge warns

A man who punched a police horse during clashes after a football match between Newcastle and Sunderland has admitted violent disorder.

Barry Rogerson, 45, of Hartlands, Bedlington, was charged after police and Newcastle fans clashed in the city following the Tyne-Wear derby in April.

The West Yorkshire Police horse, Bud, was not hurt in the attack.

Rogerson, who previously denied the charge, is due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on 24 October.

The game saw Sunderland win 3-0, the team's first victory in Newcastle for 13 years.

He was photographed with a scarf over his face punching the horse.

Rogerson, and five other defendants who also admitted violent disorder, were granted conditional bail, including that they stay away from Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and England games.

Judge James Goss, the Recorder of Newcastle, said the "serious offence" could result in jail terms for Rogerson and the others.

"The court will have all sentencing options, including of course immediate imprisonment, open to it at the sentencing hearing," he said.

"Please don't think anything other than imprisonment is going to be passed for this offence."