American bulldog bit child in face when it woke up

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard that the American bulldog was asleep when the youngster stroked it, resulting in it waking up and biting.

Owner Amy Louise Roberts, aged 29, was sentenced after admitting an offence of being a person in charge of a dog being dangerously out of control.

Prosecuting, Mr Robert Edwards said the defendant had only owned the dog for five days when the incident happened on September 30, 2017. She was nearby, but did not see the attack.

He said the child suffered wounds to the cheek and nose that required a total of 10 stitches.

Mr Edwards said the youngster now tries to stay out of the way when people are walking pets.

He conceded that although it was a ‘serious’ incident for the victim, the circumstances did not fit with the sentencing guidelines for such offences.

“This seems to be a momentary loss of control of the dog. I concede that it is not as serious as the usual types of case that the guidelines were drafted for.”

The court heard that Roberts immediately removed the dog and gave the youngster first aid.

Unemployed Roberts told the court: “I’m truly sorry for what happened.”

Judge Anthony Lowe said: “You must not allow this dog to be alone with a child, as nobody can be sure that it will never do it again.

"There is nothing to suggest that you are not a responsible dog owner. I have seen your references and the vets’ report.

"There is no evidence that was any previous signs of aggression demonstrated by this dog.”

She was given a 12-month conditional discharge for the offence.

However, she was ordered never to leave any child under 11 alone with the dog unsupervised and when out in public it must be muzzled and kept on a lead.

There was no order for costs or compensation because the defendant is on benefits.

“I find this was an accident and not anyone’s fault,” Judge Lowe added.

Roberts must also pay a £20 victims' surcharge.