Yob's rottweiler attacked police officer as he tried to make arrest

Thomas Winkett had to be pepper-sprayed by an officer and wrestled to the floor as he was drunk and out of control in Brierley Hill High Street, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

But during the grapple Winkett’s rottweiler called Taz bit a police officer on his left ankle twice forcing him to release the defendant.

Winkett, of Fenston Street in Brockmoor, was also found to have whistled his dog to try and help him escape police custody further up the road.

It took place on June 18 when Winkett kicked out at cars, assaulted his friend and assaulted a woman who told him to get his dog on the lead.

Winkett pleaded guilty to affray and being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog.

Fist fight

Judging the case, recorder Reading, gave Winkett 20 months suspended prison sentence, reduced to 18 for his early guilty plea, for affray.

For the second offence, Winkett was handed a six months suspended sentence, reduced to four, for his early guilty.

Both of the sentences will run concurrent.

Winkett was banned from owning a dog for five years and ordered to pay £1,850 in kennel fees to police, where Taz has been held ever since.

Mr Reading heard how Winkett , who has helped bring up his partner’s three children and has a job offer to be an engineer, went up the high street in a drunken state after 2am on June 18 to buy cigarettes following a row with his partner of six years.

He brought along two of the family’s dogs, Taz and also a chihuahua that was called Dolly.

Both animals were running loose and off the lead.

Dolly was hit by a passing car and ran off from the scene, the court heard.

Winkett said it took three days to find the dog.

During the night Winkett also got into a fist fight with his friend who he punched rom behind,.

The rottweiler will be given back to Winkett’s partner.

But the judge ordered it will need a muzzle and must be on a lead in public places at all times.