A German Shepherd who attacked and repeatedly bit a gardener as she worked at the pet owners’ Cumbrian home will not be put down.
Jilly Sandams met 60-year-old Paul Holroyd and his wife several times to discuss a project at their property near Kirkby Stephen.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how, on the first occasion, Ms Sandams was aware of the dog, Rebel, being manic at patio doors; and was frantically jumping at full height against the glass doors with his behaviour unchecked, she reported, even with an owner next to the animal.
As the dog was kept inside the house, Ms Sandams accepted the job and started work but on each occasion, she said, it repeated the aggressive behaviour.
After one session she messaged Holroyd, saying she thought Rebel was going to take the door out with his intense thrusting against it.
On Sunday June 23 2024, the gardener let herself into the garden. She was aware of the fully grown dog barking and being aggressive but believed the dog was locked in and began working.
Unbeknown to her, Rebel got out of the home by knocking the patio door handle.
Hearing difficulties prevented her realising where louder barking was coming from.
“She then realised the dog was right on top of her,” said prosecutor Tim Evans. “Because she was on her knees and could not therefore run away, she in effect stumbled on her back.”
She said: “This when the dog start taking bites out of me. The dog continued to bite me and attack me and showed no signs of stopping.”
The attack stopped as Ms Sandams — herself a dog owner — scrambled to her feet and made for a gate but the dog came at her again before she got out.
She was taken to hospital by her husband having suffered six bites and almost a dozen puncture wounds to right arm.
“During this incident I felt like I was going to die,“ she wrote in an impact statement, describing Rebel as more of a wild animal.
Holroyd told police Rebel, now four-and-a-half, was a very strong dog, trained to basic pet commands.
He admitted having a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control, had no previous convictions and was sentenced today.
Defence lawyer Jeff Smith said in an address to Judge Michael Fanning: “Out of the blue a dreadful accident took place. I hope I can be forgiven for using the word ‘accident’.
“Mr Holroyd and his wife thought they had taken all reasonable and sensible steps to protect anyone from the dog.”
There had been no incidents involving Rebel before or since. A dog expert concluded it did not pose a threat to the public provided strict controls were imposed.
“The dog is an integral part of their family, notwithstanding what has happened,” said Mr Smith, who spoke of their fears the judge may order its destruction. “They will ensure the dog is carefully and properly controlled.”
Court had been a demoralising and defeating experience for Holroyd, a former highways worker who suffered life-changing injuries and was paralysed in February 2016.
He was struck by Peter Morrison, a football agent, whose dangerous driving on the M6 near Tebay also killed a colleague of Holroyd’s, Adam Gibb, of Penrith.
Judge Fanning concluded the dog’s attack on Ms Sandams was more than an accident, but out of character and caused by a moment of inattention.
“This is a significant attack by a very powerful animal that will have a lasting impact on her,” said the judge.
He read a thorough report by an expert, and concluded Holroyd, of Heartstone Lodge, Kirkby Stephen, was a fit and proper owner. He was fined £150 and must pay the victim £2,000 compensation.
Judge Fanning made a contingent destruction order, sparing the dog’s life.
This means Rebel must be on a lead and muzzled on public; insured; all gates allowing access to Holroyd’s property must be secured; and when visitors are at the property, Holroyd and/or his wife must be present to supervise the animal.
“You were badly injured in the course of your employment, helping the public,” the judge told Holroyd. “The last thing you would want to do is cause harm to anybody else.”
