Love Island star freed in dangerous dog case

Jack Fincham won the ITV reality contest Love Island in 2018 with former partner Dani Dyer

Former Love Island winner Jack Fincham has been released from prison within hours of being sentenced for dangerous dog offences.

The 32-year-old's black cane corso bit a runner in September 2022 in Swanley, Kent, and attacked a woman in Grays, Essex, last year.

Fincham, of Swanley, pleaded guilty to two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog and was sentenced to six weeks in prison at Southend Magistrates' Court.

But the court admin office told the BBC he had been released on the same day, because he had appealed his sentence.

Fincham worked as a pen salesman, but won the popular ITV dating show in 2018 after coupling up with Dani Dyer.

The pair split up nine months later.

Jack Fincham initially accepted a caution for the incident in September 2022, but was prosecuted following the second incident two years later

Prosecutor Erin Peck said the runner, Robert Sudell, initially accepted an apology over the incident and Fincham was going to be cautioned and would engage in a responsible dog ownership course. He was told at the time that his dog - named Elvis - must be muzzled.

But he was instead prosecuted after the second incident in Grays in June last year.

Essex Police said a woman in her 40s reported that the dog grabbed her leg in Culford Road. She was uninjured.

On Wednesday, Fincham was ordered to pay £3,680 in total, including a £2,000 contribution to kennelling costs, a fine of £961 and £200 compensation to Mr Sudell.

Richard Cooper, for Fincham, said his client had "no savings".

But presiding magistrate Anne Wade said he could pay in instalments starting at £400 per month.

She made an order that the dog must be muzzled in public places, be kept on a lead and not be left alone with anyone under the age of 16.

Fincham was subject to a suspended sentence for an unrelated driving matter at the time of the incident in Swanley - and Ms Wade said this order was being taken into account in her sentencing.

"The dog was in a public place not abiding by the conditions to be muzzled and kept on a lead," added Ms Wade.

Sgt Alex Watkins of Essex Police said Fincham was given the chance to rectify his behaviour on both occasions but "failed to do so".

"I thank both victims for their courage during this investigation," he said.

Immediate release

Fincham gave a thumbs up as he was led to the cells after being sentenced, and a woman wept from the public gallery.

However, he was released after his defence team lodged the appeal.

He was told he must report to Grays police station every Friday and would need to appear at Basildon Crown Court for a bail application hearing.

It is rare for a defendant to be bailed pending an appeal on the same day they have been sentenced, the BBC understands.