PC Mark Moreland-Francis was mauled by the Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog in April after Andre Willis let the animal off its lead, Bournemouth Crown Court heard
A man who fled as his out-of-control dog savagely attacked a police officer has been jailed.
Andre Willis, 32, of South Norwood, London, ran off when his Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog mauled PC Mark Moreland-Francis as he approached his car in Thwaite Road in Poole, Dorset. The incident took place on April 4, and the dog was later shot dead after days on the loose.
At Bournemouth Crown Court today, Willis was jailed for 22 months. He previously admitted an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act, as well as driving while disqualified. He was also disqualified from driving for 55 months. Willis had previous convictions for drug dealing and assaulting a police constable. It comes after news a nursery teacher drowned her partner’s four-year-old daughter in sickening attack.
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Judge Jonathan Fuller KC told him: “This was an awful attack by a Staffordshire-type cross terrier, which are intimidating dogs and capable of causing even more serious harm. Anyone listening to the video of the officer screaming in pain and fear would recognise the seriousness of what that dog did and you allowed it to do.”
On April 8 this year, Dorset Police responded to a concerned call at around 1pm and spent a number of hours attempting to safely capture the escaped dog. However, the decision was ultimately made to put it down using a firearm when their attempts failed.
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Regrettably, having explored all other options, the dog was put down by officers due to the ongoing threat it posed to the public. The decision was made after exploring all other contingencies while balancing the safety to the public.”
This comes after a dog was killed and its owner seriously injured in a park attack in Aberdeen which police are treating as an attempted murder. A 51-year-old man was taken to hospital following a “disturbance” in Eric Hendrie Park on Sunday at about 8.30pm.
Officers were called to a report of a vehicle in the park and a disturbance taking place which resulted in the death of the victim’s XL bully dog. The owner of the dog was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where medical staff said his condition was serious but stable.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Inquiries are ongoing in the area to trace everyone involved.” The force said that the victim was not struck by a car.
Detective Sergeant Emma Low said: “Our investigation is at an early stage to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this incident.
“Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact officers through 101 quoting incident number 3236 of July 27. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
