The hooligan who punched a West Yorkshire police horse when trouble flared in the Tyne-Wear derby has been jailed for a year.

Barry Rogerson was one of seven yobs locked up yesterday after taking part in an outbreak of violence in Newcastle.

The 45-year-old’s outrageous attack on West Yorkshire police horse Bud, who regularly patrols around Huddersfield,  came to symbolise the riot which blew up in Newcastle city centre after the Magpies lost to Sunderland in April.

Sending him to prison yesterday along with six others - including one who had been selling match day programmes - a judge said it was only good luck which had saved Bud’s rider from serious injury.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the attack on the horse happened after drunken Rogerson refused to move back for police.

Judge Paul Sloan QC told him: “You had plenty of opportunity to move out of the way but instead you stood your ground and then attacked the horse by punching it in the head.

“There was a risk of serious injury as a result of what you did, the officer could so easily have been thrown from the horse and could have sustained serious injury.”

The court heard Rogerson was part of a seething mob which confronted police outside St James’ Park after the game.

He got behind a line of horses and dogs on Barrack Road and clapped at the horses. A man tried to pull him away from the trouble but is seen patting the side of a police horse and claps in it’s face.

Prosecutor Emma Dowling said: “He then clearly feels the need to get more involved and conceals his face by tying a scarf round the lower part of his face.

“There is a surge towards the police while missiles and smoke bombs are being thrown and he is standing alone. The police horse rider asked him to move back and he stands his ground and punches the police horse.”

The rider tries to push Rogerson away and he is seeing holding his hands up and shadow boxes with Bud. But he comes off worst when he is taken to the ground by other officers who arrested him.

The court heard Rogerson, of Hartlands, Bedlington, who had never been in trouble before, had consumed a lot of alcohol and was on medication at the time.

He pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was jailed for 12 months.

His barrister said the extensive media coverage of what Rogerson did had caused him humiliation.

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Robert Adams, defending, said: “He had a small but unique role but he more than any other defendant has had the humiliation of almost constant press coverage about his involvement.

“He is extremely embarrassed and ashamed of what happened, he acted out of character under the influence of drink.

“He did not punch a human or a police officer or a Sunderland fan and I anticipate he probably hurt himself more than the horse.

“His wife has told him he is not going to any more football matches ever.”

All seven yobs received six-year football banning orders.

Chief Superintendent Gary Calvert, Newcastle Area Commander, said: “The images of Rogerson’s behaviour were seen right across the country and further afield through the media and internet coverage of the disorder.

“His behaviour is clearly unacceptable and he was widely condemned by law abiding and right thinking members of the public for his actions. I’m keen to stress that this shouldn’t be the lasting impression people have of the city of Newcastle and its football supporters.

“I welcome the sentences passed today to offenders for their part in the disorder. In particular, with the next derby just days away, I’m keen to stress that this demonstrates tough action will be taken against anyone involved in such behaviour.”