Halifax boy's ear 'hanging off' after dog attack

  • Published
Bradford Crown CourtImage source, PA
Image caption,
Stephen Plunkett was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court

A dog attacked a 12-year-old boy, leaving his ear "hanging off", a court has heard.

The pet, named Storm, mauled the child at Stephen Plunkett's home in Westbury Place, Halifax, on 3 August.

Bradford Crown Court heard how the animal, which was usually muzzled, pushed the boy over and stood over him before biting him on the ear twice.

Plunkett, 47, admitted having a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control.

He was handed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid community work.

Judge Jonathan Rose said the dog, described in court as an American bulldog, would need to be destroyed.

A photograph of the boy's injured ear was shown to the judge.

Prosecutor Louise Pryke said it had been described as "hanging off" and needed to be stitched back on.

'Lapse of judgement'

During a previous hearing, Miss Pryke said the dog started barking at the boy during the incident.

She said: "It was quite a large dog and he was unable to push it away."

The judge said: "I regret to say I regard this dog as posing too high a risk of causing serious harm to members of the public.

"Notwithstanding the submission of your counsel I have to order the destruction of the dog."

The youngster went to the dog owner's home to play on his Xbox when he was attacked in the living room, the court heard.

Plunkett's barrister, Laura McBride, said he had made "a lapse of judgement" and was full of remorse.

Judge Rose told him: "Of course there is no question of your wishing or intending him to be hurt by this dog, but it's your fault that he was hurt.

"This was a careless offence on your part rather than one caused with deliberation."

Related Internet Links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.