Football supporter who punched a horse in the head is named after ‘completely unacceptable’ attack

Two convicted football supporters have been given football banning orders - one for punching a horse before a game at Ashton Gate in Bristol.

Peter Mincher, 43, of Lindsay Road, Hartlepool, punched police horse Blaise in the head prior to the National League play off final between Hartlepool United and Torquay United on June 20 last year.

At Bristol Magistrates Court yesterday (January 31), he was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, and was fined and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling £1,215.

He also received a three-year football banning order.

Separately, Brandon Elvin, 26, was witnessed by a police officer punch another man to the floor on Ashton Road following Bristol City’s game against Queens Park Rangers on 30 December last year.

The victim left the scene as Brandon Elvin was arrested and has not been identified.

Elvin, of St Dunstans Road, Bedminster, subsequently appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on January 28 where he pleaded guilty to a public order offence.

He was jailed for four weeks and given a six-year football banning order.

PC Tom Williams, one of Avon and Somerset Police’s dedicated football officers, said: “These two men have thrown punches in the middle of a residential street which is completely unacceptable and is likely to cause people alarm.

“Incidents of disorder have risen nationally this season and I’d like to reassure both fans of football and other members of the public that we continue to work closely with partners, including clubs, to make matches a safe environment for all.

“There is absolutely no place for any kind of violence in football and we will deal robustly with anyone who engages in such behaviour.”