A pack of dogs attacked a woman carrying her six-day-old baby, leaving the infant with bite and claw wounds to the head as the mum suffered severe injuries requiring surgeries
A woman carrying her six-day-old baby was savagely attacked by three Staffordshire Bull Terriers, leaving the infant with a cut to their head after being bitten and clawed. The mother described the ordeal as “the worst pain she had ever experienced” and underwent several surgeries and skin grafts.
The dogs’ owner, 49-year-old Jason Stafford, reportedly lost control of his pets during the brutal attack in Cardiff. Following the incident, all three Staffordshire Bull Terriers, a breed also known as “Staffies”, were put down.
During a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court on Tuesday (December 9), it was reportedly revealed that the attack occurred on March 30.
The dogs launched themselves at the victim while she was holding her newborn baby. One of the dogs managed to claw and bite the baby, but thankfully, the injuries were relatively minor.
Another dog targeted the mother, biting and latching onto her foot. Judge Daniel Williams, in his sentencing remarks, reiterated the victim’s statement that the pain was “the worst she’d ever experienced”, reports Wales Online.
He added: “I’ve seen the photographs, which are dreadful.” The mother was pulled to the ground, still clutching her baby, and endured the attack for what she estimated to be 15 minutes.
Judge Williams said: “She thought they were going to be killed.” A mate heard the woman’s screams and witnessed one of the dogs clamping down on her wrist.
He managed to pull the dogs away from her and she fled the scene with her baby. However, the three dogs turned their attention to the friend and one sank its teeth into his left arm and right leg.
The savage attack continued for approximately 15 minutes, though the victim described it as feeling like “felt like forever”. Eventually, Stafford succeeded in calming the dogs, but the injuries inflicted on the victims were deemed “appalling”.
The woman endured numerous dog bites and needed multiple operations including skin grafts and tendon repairs. The man sustained multiple wounds across his face, chest, legs and arms, experiencing excruciating pain that has resulted in a “loss of strength and confidence”.
Judge Williams remarked: “The baby was injured but not badly, the possible consequences, Mr Stafford, does not bear thinking about.” Stafford, from Parracombe Crescent, Llanrumney, subsequently admitted guilt to three charges of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.
The court was told of an earlier incident in December when the dogs had mauled another person and a safety plan had been implemented, but the defendant had “chosen to ignore” this. The defendant’s criminal history includes previous convictions for affray, robbery and drink driving.
In a heart-wrenching victim personal statement read out in court by prosecutor Alice Sykes, the female victim revealed: “Since providing my initial statement, I am receiving my fourth surgery. I cannot take part in key milestones like taking my baby swimming, especially as I am a mother for the first time. It’s taking quality time away with my son.”
She added: “I am on the highest dose of medication. I still feel it’s not happening.
“It has also affected my son but we are lucky he was not more seriously injured.” The male victim, in his statement, expressed his ongoing agony: “I am suffering unbearable pain which I fear I will have for my lifetime.
“I have sustained an excessive amount of scarring to my arms which serve as a constant reminder of the trauma and pain.” He detailed the extent of his injuries: “My little finger sustained the most amount of damage.
“I often have to wrap something around it or wear gloves as it’s extremely sensitive to the weather. My mobility is extremely limited.”
He also shared the psychological impact of the incident: “The sound of dogs barking alone will make me jump. I feel extremely insecure and have clothing covering my scars to stop people from looking at me.”
Defending, Derrick Gooden stated that his client had raised the dogs since they were puppies and acknowledged his responsibility for the incident. The solicitor-advocate informed the court that the dogs have since been put down and the defendant has stayed out of trouble for over 20 years, despite dealing with numerous health issues.
Delivering the sentence, Judge Williams condemned the defendant’s actions, stating: “You showed a casual disregard for the safety of others.” Stafford was handed a total prison sentence of two years.
Additionally, the defendant was banned from keeping dogs for a decade.
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