Horror injuries suffered by girl, 7, who was lucky not to lose her bottom lip when she was mauled by devil dog
Little Leah Carter was savaged by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier when she knocked on door to see if friend could come out to play in Bradford, West Yorks
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD girl left with permanent facial scars after a horrific doorstep dog attack was lucky not have lost her bottom lip, a court heard.
Little Leah Carter was savaged by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross called Buster moments after knocking on the door of Colleen Bray, 34, who had been looking after it.
Leah had been hoping to invite one of Bray’s children out to play just before she was seriously injured by the animal at around 7.45pm on 22 April this year in Bradford, West Yorks.
Bradford Magistrate’s Court today heard that the dog belonged to the then-partner of Colleen Bray, 34.
RELATED STORIES
The attack left Leah, who was visiting her dad at the time, with a hole in her cheek and a tear on her bottom lip - both injuries requiring an overnight stay in hospital followed by surgery.
Leah needed 35 stitches - 20 for her bottom lip and 15 for her cheek.
Nadine Clough, prosecuting, read some sections of Leah's interview with police in which she said she heard Bray tell her daughter not to open the door, but she did.
Bray, of Bradford, had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.
Today she was slapped with a four month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, and an order was also made to destroy the dog.
District Judge Richard Clews said: " It was very lucky she didn't lose the bottom lip altogether or part of it at least."
"These injuries will be a permanent reminder to her to the horrific experience she was subject to."
Describing Leah - who lives in Halifax, West Yorks, with her mum but visits her dad three times a week - as a "tough little girl" with a bubbly personality, the judge highlighted the psychological effects the attack had on her.
He said she is stressful and anxious when she sees larger dogs or around people who have large dogs.
Bray, who is on benefits, was told to pay £500 to Lean and must complete a community requirement of up to 33 days.
She was also disqualified from being in charge of a dog for 12 months.
Speaking after the sentence Leah's mum, Sarah Nelson, 33 said: "I'm happy with the sentence.
"The main thing is we got rid of the dog, Leah didn't want the dog going back on the street.
"Its great to know its gone. Leah will be happy it’s not coming back."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368
