Dog bit councillor claim

A FORMER Oldham security guard appeared in court yesterday after his dog bit a councillor on the leg.

Michael Butler (51), of Hollins Road, is accused of being in charge of the dog while it was dangerously out of control in public.

A jury at Caernarfon Crown Court heard how County Councillor John Emlyn Thomas had intended to speak to the owner of the van about whether he was camping near the recycling bins in Gower Road, Trefriw, when the attack happened in October last year.

He suffered injuries to his right leg which needed hospital treatment.

The 74-year-old, who is Plaid Cymru councillor for the Conwy Valley village, said the incident was shocking and it left him very frightened.

Mr Thomas said he approached the van to talk to the people about camping on the roadside, which a by-law prevents.

He had walked between the van and the grass verge when the dog, a seven-year-old German Shepherd called Fred, jumped out and attacked him.

Mr Thomas said: “The side door of the van was open and the dog roared out and leapt at me.

“I am not a little guy, and for my age I am quite strong, but I was knocked to the ground and couldn’t kick the dog off me.

“I was lying on the grass verge and felt very frightened.

“I was in the RAF for a long time and saw some frightening things but I was shocked at the ferocity of the attack.”

The dog was chained to the van but the chain was long enough for it to jump out.

Mr Thomas said a young girl and a man, Butler, appeared and pulled the dog away.

The jury heard Mr Thomas told the man he would be calling the police and then drove away.

He went first to his home and later to hospital.

The trial continues.