Legal News

A woman who was walking her daughter’s bull mastiff dog has admitted a charge of having a dog dangerously out-of-control causing injury, after the dog attacked another owner and his dog in a country lane.

The Essex County Standard reports that on Sunday, 29 March at 9.15am Beverley Turnball, 55 – of Vicarage Road, Woodbridge in Suffolk – was walking her daughter’s bull mastiff in Fords Lane, Colchester, when they met James Long, who was walking his Jack Russell terrier in the lane.

The prosecution told Colchester Magistrates’ Court:

“Mr Long was fearful for the safety of his small dog, so bent over and shielded it from the larger bull mastiff. Mr Long was pushed to the floor by the dog – the dog, Callie, was not on a lead.”

The court heard in the attack, Mr Long broke his shoulder, and also had grazes and a bite mark on his hand and wrist – and his own dog had puncture wounds. Mr Long had to pay a vet’s bill of £1,685 after his dog was treated for its injuries.

Turnball’s defence lawyer told the court that his client had been “beside herself” because her husband had collapsed and been taken to hospital on the day of the attack and she had been unable to speak to him. The court heard that she had recently suffered two strokes and this had also impacted on her ability to control the dog.

Turnball pleaded guilty and was fined £270 and ordered to pay a £27 victim surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.

No order for compensation was made as the civil court is now dealing with the matter. However, magistrates ordered that the bull mastiff be kept on a lead and muzzled whenever it is in a public place. Turnball was told that if this is not done, the dog will be destroyed.

The court also heard that Turnball had a previous conviction on a charge of not being in control of a dog in public, which occurred in 2013. On that occasion there were no injuries reported, however.

Amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act in 2014 mean that owners of dogs which cause injury or are out-of-control in public can now be prosecuted if their dog attacks or bites a person on private property.

Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, an owner whose dog attacks an assistance dog – for example, a guide dog or hearing dog – can also be prosecuted under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a criminal charge involving dog attacks or dog bites.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within 45 minutes.

For expert legal advice on criminal charges relating to the Dangerous Dogs Act, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 020 7923 4020.