Gran fined after dog bites woman

Reporter: Our Court Reporter
Date online: 12 November 2008

A PENSIONER with 50 grandchildren has been ordered to pay £750 compensation after her dog bit an elderly woman.

Bridget Cawley (62), of Eden Street, Oldham, had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to possession of a dangerous dog.

It followed an incident in June when one of Cawley’s 10 children visited with some of the grandchildren. The youngsters were playing with six-year-old mongrel, Blackie, when it escaped from the house into the street.

Blackie then bit 72-year-old June Stevenson’s leg as she walked home with her shopping. Mrs Stevenson had to have a skin graft to repair scarring on her leg.

Jennifer Birch, prosecuting, said: "There had been lots of people in her house, and she accepts that she didn't keep a close enough eye on the dogs to keep them from going out of the house.”

Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard how the dog had since been given away.

Penelope Maudsley, defending, said: “Mrs Cawley expressed her sincere regret for this incident.

“She inherited Blackie from her son who had died six years ago. But never, in the six years since she has had him has he ever done anything like this. On that day, she had a visit from her daughter and her grandchildren. They were playing with Blackie, when he, unbeknown to her, was let out of the front door. I don’t wish to minimise the injuries to June Stevenson, but it was just one bite. That one bite did cause her nasty injuries.

“Bridget Cawley is 62-years-old, she herself is not well. She has numerous difficulties with arthritis and asthma. She has 10 children, eight of whom are still living, and 50 grandchildren who visit regularly. She is very frightened about today.”

Ordering Cawley to pay £750 in compensation to June Stevenson, Judge Jonathan Geake said: “You have to take responsibility for the fact that the dog got out and caused a very nasty bite to June Stevenson.”