Thomas Mikaelson pleads guilty to attempted sexual act with Shetland pony

Thomas Mikaelson, a 19-year-old from Huddersfield, has pleaded guilty to attempting to allow sexual penetration of a Shetland pony at Gledhill Farm in Almondbury. The incident occurred on August 24 and has reportedly caused significant operational and management difficulties for the farm.

During a hearing at Leeds Crown Court, Mikaelson pleaded guilty to the primary charge under UK sexual offences laws but pleaded not guilty to a secondary charge of recklessly trespassing to commit a sexual offence. Judge Phillips KC has ordered a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service to assess any potential risk Mikaelson may pose to the public.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 17 at Leeds Crown Court. The judge noted that the affected farmer has provided a detailed victim impact statement and may be permitted to attend the sentencing hearing.