Oliver Atack sentenced for leaving pony for dead

A DRIVER who hit a New Forest pony and left it to die in the road without reporting the incident has been ordered to carry out unpaid community work.

Oliver Atack (35) hit the grey filly in Beaulieu and failed to stop or inform the police.

The pony was found dead at the roadside at Hilltop on the morning of 3rd June last year, having been killed sometime the night before.

Atack's damaged vehicle was later spotted in Holbury, and during a police investigation the defendant admitted hitting the animal.

Official Verderer Lord Manners said of the incident: "Had Mr Atack reported the accident at the time it occurred, the owner of the pony would have claimed for her losses from the driver's insurance and that would have been the end of the matter."

Atack, of East Tytherley Road in Romsey, pleaded guilty to both offences at Southampton Magistrates' Court.

As well as the 100-hour unpaid work requirement, the Bench ordered he pay £180 court charges and endorsed his licence with 10 points.