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Man, 19, pleads guilty to trying to have sex with Shetland pony Cheeky at a Huddersfield farm

From the Newshound archive · first published 30 September 2026 · last updated 2 October 2026.

Cheeky, the Shetland pony at the centre of the case, after Thomas Mikaelson admitted attempting to sexually penetrate the animal at a Huddersfield farm last year.
Cheeky, the Shetland pony at the centre of the case, after Thomas Mikaelson admitted attempting to sexually penetrate the animal at a Huddersfield farm last year.

Thomas Mikaelson, 19, of Huddersfield, covered his face as he arrived at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday and admitted attempting to allow sexual penetration of a Shetland pony named Cheeky. The incident took place at Gledhill Farm in Almondbury on 24 August last year. Judge Simon Phillips KC told Mikaelson that a custodial sentence remained a possibility and put back sentencing to 17 November to allow the Probation Service to prepare a risk report.

The farmer at Gledhill Farm lodged a victim impact statement, and the court heard that the incident had caused 'distress' affecting the farm and its staff 'in more than one respect'.

A second charge of recklessly trespassing to commit a relevant sexual offence, which Mikaelson denied, was left to lie on file.

Mikaelson was released on bail, his face hidden under a hat and scarf, after being warned that the delay in sentencing should not be taken as any indication of the outcome.

MoreGB NewsTeenage boy admits trying to have sex with Shetland pony after 'breaking into farm'manchestereveningnews.co.ukMan, 19, admits trying to have sex with Shetland pony called Cheeky - Manchester Evening NewsThe SunTeen admits trying to have sex with Shetland pony named Cheeky on farm - thesun.co.uknews.com.auTeenager faces jail after pleading guilty to attempting sexual act with Shetland ponylbc.co.ukTeenager admits sexual offence against Shetland pony
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