Two-year suspended sentence and fine after dog bit child causing serious injury

A man has been given a two-year suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay £2,400 in compensation after he pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog that bit a child, causing serious injury.

The incident took place on the evening of August 5 last year, when a Russian Terrier, owned by Dermot Bradley-Beacham, 61, of Thetford Road, Brandon, escaped from the home address and bit a boy on the leg.

The boy, aged under 13, suffered a serious leg injury which left the bone exposed.

He was initially taken to the West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds, before being taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, for surgery.

He was released from hospital two days after the incident.

Bradley-Beacham was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court (pictured above) on March 24 after previously pleading guilty to being the owner in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury.

While officers conducted enquiries, Bradley-Beacham admitted he had already had problems with the dog, which was destroyed after the incident, including one where it had previously bitten another person.

He also confirmed that the dog was not friendly to other dogs or to children and admitted knowing the garden fence was insecure but still allowed it into the garden.

PC Stephen Yates said: “This was a completely avoidable incident that has left a young boy needing surgery.

“It shows the importance of responsible dog ownership and the importance of ensuring dogs are properly trained and outdoor spaces are secure.

“I hope this is a warning to other dog owners of the dangers if they fail to take their responsibilities seriously.”