Man arrested after dog attack court case no-show

Ana Paun, 11, was injured in a dog attack in Bordesley Green, Birmingham on 9 September

A man has been arrested after failing to attend court to face charges in connection with a dog attack that left an 11-year-old girl and two others injured.

Farhat Ajaz, 62, was due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday charged with three counts of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place.

Mr Ajaz was arrested in the Bordesley Green area of Birmingham on Friday morning after a warrant was issued in court the previous day.

The attack in Bordesley Green on 9 September involved an American XL bully and Staffordshire bull terrier crossbreed. It remains in secure kennels following events last year.

Ana Paun, 11, suffered shoulder and arm injuries in the incident and spent a night in hospital.

Two men were also hurt.

At Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday, prosecutor David Devine said a postal requisition over the court case had been sent to Mr Ajaz on January 23.

Granting an arrest warrant request, district judge David Wain said he was satisfied Mr Ajaz knew about the hearing and that no contact had been made with his solicitor regarding reasons why he may not be able to attend.

American XL bullies were added to the banned breeds list on 31 October. The move followed a fatal attack on 52-year-old Ian Price in Stonnall near Walsall.