Dog owner told to pay £5k after bull terrier leaves factory worker with 'life changing' injuries

Owner Craig Humpage, 33, was also given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, when appearing at Cannock Magistrates' Court.

Humpage, of Holden Crescent, Walsall, had pleaded guilty to losing control of his English bull terrier Billy and allowing it to bite Christopher Thompson.

He also pleaded guilty to losing control of his other dog Saskia, of the same breed.

The court heard how Billy attacked Mr Thompson at Showpa Plastics factory, Landywood Lane, Cheslyn Hay when the dog escaped. The dog pulled off his glove then went on to bite his stomach, left calf, left buttock and chest.

• MORE: 'Terrifying' dog mauling left factory worker needing surgery

At the court yesterday, magistrates ordered Humpage to pay £5,000 in compensation to the victim, along with an £80 victim surcharge and £185 costs to the prosecution. He must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

A destruction order was placed on Billy and a control order on Saskia with conditions that she be on a lead no longer than 1.5 metres when out in public and that she be muzzled.

Miss Liz Ryder, prosecuting, said: "The victim sustained a deep tear to the left calf, a bite on his left knee, teeth marks on his chest and a bites on his left buttock. He was taken to New Cross after the attack where he remained for three days on a cocktail of 15 different drugs."

The court heard how the dogs had escaped from a skip yard where they had been left by Humpage. They managed to get free due to the bad weather loosening the chains around the gates.It happened around 3am on November 18 last year.

District Judge Jack McGarva said: "This was a life changing, horrific incident for Mr Thompson."

The victim has since been unable to work due to post traumatic stress. His mother wept as details of the attack were read out.

Judge McGarva continued: "When these dogs are with you Mr Humpage, I am sure they are loving and affectionate creatures. But a frightened dog is a dangerous dog and I have seen the horrific effects and injuries caused by a frightened Billy."

Miss Sarb Sehmi, defending Humpage, who is a father of three girls, aged 10, 11 and 16, said that the attack had 'absolutely devastated' her client.