A 33-year-old woman from Totton has been sentenced after her dog twice bit a child, causing serious facial injuries.

Kelly Jane Horton, of Jackie Wigg Gardens, had previously pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control causing injury.

She was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court last Wednesday (16 April), following an incident inside a property on Sunday 21 July last year.

Horton was handed 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work, which must be completed within the next 12 months.

She must also pay a victim surcharge of £187 and has been disqualified from keeping a dog for five years.

The incident, which left the young victim requiring surgery, involved a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-cross. The dog was subsequently seized by officers.

Investigating officer, PC Jessica Surman, of Totton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I am very pleased for the victim and family in this case that justice has now been served.

“I must place on record my thanks for their support and strength throughout our investigation. Without this, we simply wouldn’t have been able to achieve the outcome we have here.

“This was a horrific experience for the child in question, but thankfully they are doing well in their recovery and hopefully they, along with their family, can now put this incident behind them and move forward.”

Dog Legislation Officer, PC Lance Plummer, said: “This is a result that provides justice for the victim and protects the community from further harm. In Hampshire, people love dogs and they can help brighten our days.

“Responsible dog ownership is key in this and we remind people about the risk that dogs pose to young children.

"Incidents involving dogs that are dangerously out of control will be robustly dealt with by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to ensure our communities are safe.”