Man admits being in charge of dangerous dog that killed brother
Gary Stevens will be sentenced over the incident in Normanton, Derby, in November.
A man has admitted being in charge of a dangerous dog that killed his brother.
Gary Stevens’ dog fatally attacked 51-year-old Wayne Stevens at a house in Cameron Road, Normanton, Derby, at around 5.50am on April 22.
At a hearing at Derby Crown Court, Stevens, 54, pleaded guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act of being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.
The dog was “destroyed at the scene” due to “presenting a risk to officers and the public”, Derbyshire Police said at the time, but its breed was not mentioned during the hearing.
“I would argue that the behaviour witnessed by a number of witnesses can be relied upon to inform the court as to the circumstances which in fact led to the death.”
Stevens, in jeans and a blue jacket, sat silently in the dock looking forward throughout.
His barrister Tony Stanford said: “Clearly this was an extremely upsetting incident for him to witness and be a part of.
“He tried to pull the dog off his brother, to save his brother.
“He bears considerable psychological guilt.”
Adjourning proceedings, Judge Shaun Smith KC said: “You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence.
“Prison is the most likely option, it is just a question of how long.
“But I will give you bail in the meantime, so you can put your affairs in order.”
Stevens, of Cameron Road, will be sentenced at the same court on November 3.
