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He was the horse who brought huge media attention when he was punched by an irate Newcastle United fan at a Tyne-Wear derby .

But now Bud has earned himself a promotion and is heading to London’s Metropolitan Police’s mounted section to help teach younger horses.

Magpie fan Barry Rogerson was videoed landing a blow to Bud following Newcastle’s 3-0 defeat to arch-enemies Sunderland at St James’ Park in April 2013.

The 47-year-old, of Bedlington, Northumberland , squared up to Bud, from West Yorkshire’s mounted section, while wearing a scarf over his face.

Almost 100 Newcastle fans were charged following clashes with police after the game at St James’ Park.

Rogerson was sent to jail for a year after pleading guilty to violent disorder at Newcastle Crown Court.

Judge Paul Sloan QC, said Rogerson had “had plenty of opportunities to move away [from the horse]”.

He added: “You stood your ground and attacked the horse by punching it in the head.

“There was a risk of serious injury, the officer could easily have been thrown from the horse and could have sustained serious injury.”

Bud was not hurt in the attack but well-wishers sent him presents to his stables and his force’s mounted section at West Yorkshire Police received messages of support for him on Twitter from concerned members of the public.

In an interview with the BBC, Rogerson said he was “not a thug” and was wearing a scarf across his face to stop the cold wind getting into his mouth after a “filling had dropped out”.

Bud, now aged 15, is coming towards the end of his working life, but with his many years experience, he will be taking a lead role in assisting to train new horses as part of the Met’s mounted section.

He joined the team at West Yorkshire eight years ago and has been involved in all types of policing operations.

Also leaving West Yorkshire force is Louis who has been with the mounted section for 16 years. He is to retire to his new home in Huddersfield where he will spend his senior years taking things easy grazing in fields, with the occasional hack out.

He has been with the mounted section at Carr Gate since he was bought as a four-year-old from Hillam in North Yorkshire. He was the last horse serving that was involved in the Bradford riots and is nicknamed ‘The Warrior’ as he keeps on going no matter what.

Sgt Jayne West said; “We will be sad to see Bud and Louis leave Carr Gate. As with all our horses, they are all treasured by the officers and staff who work with and look after them. They have both been fantastic to work with, and have experienced so many different circumstances.”