This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/8439628.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Horse kill threat man sentenced Horse kill threat man sentenced
(30 minutes later)
A man who threatened to kill a top racehorse unless it was withdrawn from a race at Ascot has been given a 34-week suspended prison sentence. A man who threatened to kill a top racehorse in a bid to avoid gambling debts of £55,000 has been given a 34-week suspended jail term.
Andrew Rodgerson, 26, told Conduit's trainer the horse would be stabbed if it ran in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes in July. Andrew Rodgerson, 26, told Conduit's owner the horse would be stabbed if it ran in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes last July.
He was arrested before the 2009 meeting but there was heightened security. He was arrested before the Ascot race, which was run amid tight security.
Rodgerson, from Rochdale, who pleaded guilty to blackmail, was sentenced at Bury Magistrates' Court. Rodgerson, from Rochdale, who admitted blackmail at an earlier hearing, was sentenced at Bury Magistrates' Court.
Conduit, which has an estimated stud value of £5m and was favourite for the race, went on to win on 25 July.Conduit, which has an estimated stud value of £5m and was favourite for the race, went on to win on 25 July.
Tight securityTight security
Rodgerson, of Craiglands, sent a text message with the initial threat to the horse's owner, before following this up with two e-mails. Rodgerson, of Craiglands, sent a text message with the initial threat to the horse's owner on 17 July 2009 - eight days before the prestigious race.
The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) was contacted, which called in Greater Manchester Police. The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) was contacted and they called in Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Increased security was laid on by the BHA during the horse's journey to Ascot and when he was stabled at the racecourse.Increased security was laid on by the BHA during the horse's journey to Ascot and when he was stabled at the racecourse.
Conduit, ridden by Ryan Moore, went on to win the race
Rodgerson's address was identified from the emails he sent to Conduit's owner, in which he again demanded the horse should be withdrawn.
During interview he admitted making the threats because he had become heavily in debt to betting ring, GMP said.
He told detectives that if Conduit won the race he would owe the ring £55,000. If it did not run the amount would drop to £9,000.
Rodgerson insisted he had no intention of harming the horse.
Det Sgt Andrew Butterworth, of Rochdale CID, said: "Rodgerson made, what were to his victims, very real and very disturbing threats.
"He got himself into financial dire straights and thought blackmail was his way out. His actions were foolish and reckless."
Rodgerson's sentence was suspended for two years and he was also ordered to carry out 240 hours unpaid work.Rodgerson's sentence was suspended for two years and he was also ordered to carry out 240 hours unpaid work.