A man has admitted being the owner of a XL bully which killed his neighbour while it was dangerously out of control.
Ian Langley, 54, suffered fatal neck injuries when he was attacked while he walked his puppy in Shiney Row near Sunderland on October 3 last year.
Christopher Bell, 45, formerly of Maple Terrace, Shiney Row, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog which caused injury leading to death while dangerously out of control in a public place.
The charge named his dog as Titan – “an American bully XL”.
Police shot the dog at the scene to protect the public.
It was understood at the time that another XL bully was taken away by police for public safety.
His puppy bolted and managed to escape and was being looked after by a neighbour in the aftermath of the shocking attack which horrified residents living on the estate.
At the time, Michael Kennedy, also from Shiney Row, said he had known Mr Langley for more than 20 years, and said many people knew him simply as “Scouse”.
He said: “He was a really nice lad, he came from Liverpool, he was a lovable rogue you might say.”
“He was really thin, he would have no chance against a big dog.”
In a video shared on social media last year, an armed police officer stood on ladders to reach over a fence into a yard and shoot the animal from the road.
Northumbria Police said the emergency services were called to Maple Terrace just before 7pm on October 3 last year, where they found Mr Langley seriously injured.
He died in hospital that evening.
In September, following a lengthy police investigation, he was charged with being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.
The force said the breed is now banned in this country – and since February this year it has been a criminal offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate.
The dogs must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public places, as well as neutered.
Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Henry, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with Ian’s loved ones following his tragic death.
“We also recognise the impact this devastating incident had on the wider community and I would like to thank all those who have helped with the investigation.”
He added: “This case highlights the very tragic consequences of what can happen when people fail to control dogs within their care.
“We would urge everyone to follow the legislation and guidance in place to help protect themselves and others from events like this happening in the future.”
