Menu
16/05/2007
Uncle jailed for owning killer dog
The uncle of a girl who died after being mauled by his dog has been jailed for eight weeks.
Kiel Simpson, 23, had pleaded guilty to owning a pit bull - banned under the Dangerous Dog Act - last month.
Ellie Lawrenson, Simpson's five-year-old niece, died after being mauled by the dog at her grandmother's home in St Helens in Merseyside on New Year's Day.
She suffered severe head and neck injuries in the attack.
A police marksman destroyed the dog after the attack.
At an earlier hearing, the court heard how the dog had previously bitten Simpson's 19-year-old sister Kelsey, requiring her to have hospital treatment for wounds to her thigh.
The dog had also been involved in an attack on a neighbour's Jack Russell.
Michael Fogarty, defending, said that Simpson felt "morally responsible" for Ellie's death and "wanted to crawl into a hole".
Passing sentence at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, District Judge Alan Jones said: "I don't accept that a police officer or any person giving advice would have said it was enough to keep the dog muzzled and on a lead in public if you properly told them what type of dog it was.
"This is a dog of a type nobody has been allowed to possess for the last 15 years, and for good reasons."
Ellie's grandmother, Jacqueline Simpson, was charged with unlawful killing by gross negligence, as well as possession of heroin, last month. She was bailed until August 10 and a provisional trial date has been set for September 3.
(KMcA/SP)
Kiel Simpson, 23, had pleaded guilty to owning a pit bull - banned under the Dangerous Dog Act - last month.
Ellie Lawrenson, Simpson's five-year-old niece, died after being mauled by the dog at her grandmother's home in St Helens in Merseyside on New Year's Day.
She suffered severe head and neck injuries in the attack.
A police marksman destroyed the dog after the attack.
At an earlier hearing, the court heard how the dog had previously bitten Simpson's 19-year-old sister Kelsey, requiring her to have hospital treatment for wounds to her thigh.
The dog had also been involved in an attack on a neighbour's Jack Russell.
Michael Fogarty, defending, said that Simpson felt "morally responsible" for Ellie's death and "wanted to crawl into a hole".
Passing sentence at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, District Judge Alan Jones said: "I don't accept that a police officer or any person giving advice would have said it was enough to keep the dog muzzled and on a lead in public if you properly told them what type of dog it was.
"This is a dog of a type nobody has been allowed to possess for the last 15 years, and for good reasons."
Ellie's grandmother, Jacqueline Simpson, was charged with unlawful killing by gross negligence, as well as possession of heroin, last month. She was bailed until August 10 and a provisional trial date has been set for September 3.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 September 2007
Grandmother Cleared Over Child Dog Attack Death
The grandmother of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson, who was mauled to death by a pit bull terrier on New Year's Day, has been cleared of her manslaughter. Jacqueline Simpson, 45, had been looking after Ellie at her home in St Helens in Merseyside at the time of the attack.
Grandmother Cleared Over Child Dog Attack Death
The grandmother of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson, who was mauled to death by a pit bull terrier on New Year's Day, has been cleared of her manslaughter. Jacqueline Simpson, 45, had been looking after Ellie at her home in St Helens in Merseyside at the time of the attack.
02 January 2007
Investigation continues into dog attack
Police are continuing an investigation into a dog attack in Merseyside, which killed a five-year-old girl. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the pitbull terrier-type dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens, in the early hours of January 1.
Investigation continues into dog attack
Police are continuing an investigation into a dog attack in Merseyside, which killed a five-year-old girl. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the pitbull terrier-type dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens, in the early hours of January 1.
09 January 2007
Killer dog tested for drugs
The dog which attacked and killed a five-year-old girl in Merseyside on New Year's Day has been tested for illegal drugs. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the pit bull terrier-type dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in St Helens. Her grandmother, Jackie Simpson, 46, was also injured during the attack.
Killer dog tested for drugs
The dog which attacked and killed a five-year-old girl in Merseyside on New Year's Day has been tested for illegal drugs. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the pit bull terrier-type dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in St Helens. Her grandmother, Jackie Simpson, 46, was also injured during the attack.
11 January 2007
Funeral for girl mauled by pit bull
The funeral of the five-year-old girl who died after being attacked by a pit bull terrier-type dog has been held today. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in St Helens, Merseyside in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Funeral for girl mauled by pit bull
The funeral of the five-year-old girl who died after being attacked by a pit bull terrier-type dog has been held today. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in St Helens, Merseyside in the early hours of New Year's Day.
25 April 2007
Uncle pleads guilty to owning killer dog
The uncle of a five-year-old girl who was mauled to death by a pit bull terrier has pleaded guilty to owning a dangerous dog. Ellie Lawrenson died after being attacked by the dog at her grandmother, Jacqueline Simpson's home in St Helens, Merseyside, in the early hours of New Year's Day. She suffered fatal head and neck injuries in the attack.
Uncle pleads guilty to owning killer dog
The uncle of a five-year-old girl who was mauled to death by a pit bull terrier has pleaded guilty to owning a dangerous dog. Ellie Lawrenson died after being attacked by the dog at her grandmother, Jacqueline Simpson's home in St Helens, Merseyside, in the early hours of New Year's Day. She suffered fatal head and neck injuries in the attack.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
