An 11-year-old girl was left with serious injuries after an XL Bully launched a vicious attack while its owner was drunk.
The schoolgirl described blood coming from her arm “like a tap” after the dog bit her as she walked home in Bolton.
Darren Yates was out with his XL Bully near Hulton Lane playing fields in July last year when the attack took place.
Two girls were walking home when they crossed the road to avoid the dog.
The court heard that Yates stumbled and appeared drunk before the dog pulled him towards the girls.
The dog bit the 11-year-old’s arm and then pulled away, licked its lips and attacked her again.
She was rushed to hospital but has been left permanent scarring.
The family of the young girl confronted Yates and said they would be calling the police when he said “Oh for God’s sake,” the court was told.
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Megan Horner, prosecuting, read the girl’s victim impact statement.
She said: “Since this incident I do not like to play out now.
“I am scared of walking down that street.I am really anxious even in the car, when we drive down I am worried I may see him or his family members who were there on the night.
“I have scars on my arm for this incident. That is a constant reminder. I don’t go on walks with my family for fear of seeing other dogs.”
Yates said that he was drunk at the time and apologised for the “accident”.
The court heard that Yates stumbled and appeared drunk before the dog pulled him towards the girls (stock image)
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The 52-year-old appeared in court to be sentenced after admitting being the owner or person in charge of a dog which was dangerously out of control and cause injury.
A destruction order for the dog was made earlier this year.
The court heard that he had 27 previous convictions but had been out of trouble since 2013.
Following the dog attack, Yates was given a community order for threatening behaviour in an unrelated incident.
Judge Abigail Hudson decided to delay sentence to see what progress he makes on his latest order.
He is due to be sentenced in September.
Source Agencies
