In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, Bernard Valentine, residing at Ackers Lane, Carrington, has been sentenced to over four years in prison for his involvement in a vicious dog attack on a six-year-old girl in Trafford. The incident, which transpired on Sunday, March 26, 2023, led to a court ruling that also bans Valentine from owning dogs for life and imposes a 10-year restraining order.

Valentine was handed a 49-month prison term at Minshull Street Crown Court on September 22, 2023, following his guilty plea to eight charges, including being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog and the possession of Class B drugs.

The court heard the distressing details of the attack, which occurred as the young girl was walking to her friend’s house on Ackers Lane. As she passed the residence where Valentine was staying in his camper van, she was viciously attacked by a pack of six dogs that were housed in the backyard and inside the defendant’s camper van.

Displaying incredible courage, the girl’s older sister attempted to fend off the attacking dogs while they were on the pavement. The situation only de-escalated when the child’s mother arrived on the scene, causing the dogs to flee. However, the victim had already sustained severe injuries to her face, scalp, hand, abdomen, arms, legs, back, and shoulder, necessitating subsequent surgery.

Bernard Valentine was apprehended on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, when his van was traced to Fallowfield in south Manchester, and the dogs involved in the attack were seized.

This case is not an isolated incident, as Valentine was also arrested in connection with another event on Ackers Lane that transpired on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. During this incident, a man walking his Dalmatian was attacked by the same dogs, and a member of the public had to intervene to prevent further harm.

Detective Constable Goodhand, from Trafford CID, expressed gratitude to the victims for their support during the prosecution, acknowledging that while their experiences can never be erased, the sentencing serves as a step toward healing and moving forward. DC Goodhand also urged the public to report any information concerning dangerous animals to the police and partner agencies, emphasising that this could be done by contacting the police via 101 or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.