French bulldog which injured two women is spared a death sentence by court

Carlisle's magistrates' court side on. It shows the front of the court with the steps and ramp up to the entrance and someone standing outside the court. A car is also parked up to the right of the building — Carlisle’s magistrates’ court. Picture: The Carlisle Kid

A French bulldog called Jimmy which injured two women while out of control as a puppy has been spared a death sentence after magistrates placed strict controls upon its owner.

Pauline Wilson, aged 68, of Whitestiles, Seaton, was handed a suspended prison sentence for two offences during a court appearance in February.

Wilson had admitted being the owner of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control at the Todhills motorway service station north of Carlisle on June 14 last year.

Then aged only 10 months old, French bulldog Jimmy — given to Wilson as a gift — was being given exercise. Wilson sat down on a public bench to rest, the dog’s lead being tucked under the seat. But as people walked past, Jimmy began reacting excitedly.

One woman passing by tried to fend off the dog as he ran up to her. But as she did so, Jimmy caused injury — scratches and bruising on the arm.

Jimmy also ran up to a second woman, leaving her with scratches, cuts and bruising.

Wilson, a woman without any previous convictions, accepted being both the puppy’s owner and in charge at a time. A two-month jail term was suspended for a year by a deputy district judge.

Wilson was back at Carlisle’s magistrates’ court this week for a hearing to determine the fate of Jimmy, which could have been destroyed.

But an expert had since examined the dog and concluded that it did not pose a danger to the general public. It was also noted Jimmy had latterly responded well to proper training which had initially not been possible to undertake because of the Covid pandemic.

As a result, a proposal had been submitted — unopposed by the prosecution — that Jimmy’s life be spared. Instead, he will be made subject to the tough terms of a contingent destruction order and remain alive providing there are no further incidents.

When in public the dog must be fitted with a muzzle to prevent it from biting another person; it must only be walked by someone aged 16 or over, and should be placed in a pen or crate should any stranger visit any place where Jimmy is present.

“He was only a pup when this happened,” Wilson informed the court.

Lead magistrate Keith Southward commented: “I hope you have many years of enjoyment with your dog, and incident-free. I apologise for the delay that has been caused.”

Wilson replied: “You have made my day.”