Vicious dog chased and bit postwoman in Mid Wales

Louise George was delivering letters in Abermule, near Newtown, when the Kelpie crossbreed dog broke free from owner Glennys Amess and chased her up some steps.

The dog then jumped and bit Ms George on the thigh, causing four puncture wounds and bruising. Amess, 58, of Abermule, appeared at Welshpool Magistrates Court where she admitted being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

But the court had heard how Amess, who is the sole carer for her disabled husband, had since taken measures to ensure the incident is never repeated.

It includes keeping the dog on a dual lead, which is connected to the collar and muzzle. Amess has also erected a six-foot fence around her home to ensure it can't break free.

Amess was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £100 compensation to Ms George. She was also told to pay £85 costs, a £15 victim surcharge, and to keep the dog muzzled in all public places.

Chairman of the bench David Peate said: "This is a serious offence and injury was caused to the post lady. But we have heard you have already taken steps to ensure the dog is muzzled at all times so let me reassure you that the dog will not be destroyed."

Mr Stephen Davies, prosecuting, said: "The incident happened on December 20 last year when Louise George, a post woman was delivering in Abermule.

"She was delivering letters and crossed the road when she saw a woman walking with a dog, which she was struggling to hold back. The dog was barking.

"The dog somehow broke free and came running up to Ms George. She ran up a flight of stairs to the house nearest her, but it was no use.

"The dog leapt up and bit her right thigh. She thought she was going to be bit again, so lifted a foot in the dog's direction before the owner came over and got it under control."

Mr Davies said Amess was apologetic, took the dog home and then came to see if the victim was OK.

He added that Ms George went back to the Royal Mail depot and then went to have the thigh checked by a doctor.

Later, Amess attended Newtown Police Station for an interview where she apologised.

Miss Ceri Edwards, for Amess, said her client had slipped on ice, thus causing her to let go of the lead.

"It was an accident and one that she is truly apologetic for," she said.

"Since then the couple have gone to great lengths to ensure the dog is on a dual lead and muzzled when in public. They have also erected a six-foot fence around their property with a post box on the outside of the gate so nobody needs to enter inside and possibly face the dog.

"It is a rescue dog the couple have had for 12 months and it is a companion for my client's disabled husband."