Billy Lane, a 26-year-old resident of Armoury Road, Lewisham, has been sentenced to jail and banned from owning dogs following a brutal attack by his Staffordshire bullterrier on a passerby in 2022.

The distressing incident occurred on December 16 in the vicinity of Lane’s residence, when his newly acquired black Staffordshire bull terrier, which was unleashed at the time, inflicted “significant injury” upon an unsuspecting man.

Appearing before Bexley Magistrates’ Court, Lane faced the charges of being the person in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog that caused harm. The court took a stern stance on the matter, highlighting that Lane was well aware of the potential issues posed by the dog.

The outcome of the trial saw Lane found guilty of the charges levied against him, and he was handed a sentence of 26 weeks in prison. This decision reflected the gravity of the case and the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim.

In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a three-year ban on Lane, prohibiting him from having custody of any dog during this period. Furthermore, Lane was ordered to pay £750 in compensation to the victim.

Given the circumstances and the danger posed by the dog, a destruction order was not deemed necessary, as the Staffordshire bull terrier had already been euthanized.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of failing to control dogs that pose a threat to public safety. The court’s decision seeks to protect the community from the potential harm that could be inflicted by dangerous dogs under inadequate supervision.