Health and safety officer fined after dog bites woman

Stewart Morris had been walking his Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Tyson in Low Street, Cheslyn Hay, when it began barking at another dog and bit into Lindsay Brotherton's leg.

The 52-year-old pleaded guilty to allowing the five-year-old dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place causing injury when he appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court yesterday.

His pet was made the subject of a dog control order after the hearing.

Mr John Peel, prosecuting, said: "Lindsay Brotherton was out with her Whippet Saluki cross and her husband and daughter.

"She saw a male with his dog and extended the lead on her dog to put it on the closest setting.

"Both dogs began barking at each other and the Staffie surged forward and bit into her right knee.

"She said she was okay and the male then walked away but upon checking her knee she saw a puncture wound and it began to swell up.

"She visited Cannock Hospital and received treatment for the bite."

Mrs Brotherton suffered visible teeth marks on her knee and bruising and swelling down her leg after the attack on May 26. She had to wear a bandage for 48 hours.

Cannock Magistrates Court heard an officer from Staffordshire Police visited Morris at his home in High Street, Cheslyn Hay, and examined the dog's living arrangements and harness.

In mitigation, Morris, who works in Birmingham, admitted his dog can get uncomfortable when around other dogs but on this occasion Tyson was well behaved.

He claimed Mrs Brotherton's dog was pulling on its owner's lead.

Mr Chris Clarke, defending, said: "Mrs Brotherton has seen the defendant out with his dog on previous occasions and regards him as a responsible dog owner.

"The other dog was aggressive to his dog and the lady was in the middle of the two and was bitten.

"His dog appeared to cause a tear to the lady's jeans and he thought it was best to get away from the scene.

"Mr Morris feels deeply ashamed and regrets what happened. He is not the sort of man you will see at court again."

Morris was fined £558 and ordered to pay £150 in compensation.

Chair magistrate Mr Doug Hood said: "We are also imposing a control order which means the dog must be muzzled when in a public place."