153-year-old law used to haul drunk horse and cart rider to court

A RARE 153-year-old Victorian law was used to haul a horse owner into court for being drunk in charge of his mount.

- Chris Riches

Stuart Evans, 33, was found heavily intoxicated with the gelding outside a pub after an onlooker complained he was using his horse and cart at dusk without lights or reflective gear.

Officers told Warrington Magistrates' Court that Evans became "argumentative" and refused to give his name and address when confronted outside the Halfway House venue in Runcorn, Cheshire, on Boxing Day last year.

JPs heard he was slurring his words and unsteady on his feet after drinking heavily all after-noon at the pub that was historically a resting stop for horse and carriage riders.