Ipswich XL bully owner avoids jail after dog attacks neighbour and police officer

New laws for owning XL bully dogs have recently come into force (stock image)

The owner of an XL Bully has avoided jail after her dog attacked a neighbour and a police officer.

Kimberley Wood, 23, from Ipswich, pleaded guilty to two charges relating to being in charge of a dangerous dog.

Miss Wood was given a four-month jail term, suspended for 18 months, at Suffolk Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Her XL bully bit a neighbour's arm on 28 July, causing what a magistrate described as "horrendous" injuries.

The court heard that Miss Wood had been training her dog, Rocco, when the incident occurred.

The court was played footage of the attack, which was captured on a video doorbell, in which the victim can be heard screaming.

Following the attack a female police officer attended Miss Wood's home and was also bitten by the dog after it chewed through its lead.

In a witness statement, the neighbour said she has experienced "severe anxiety and stress" since the attack, and is undergoing weekly therapy sessions to address this.

"Initially, I lost complete movement in my arm for four weeks, followed by limited movement for two months," she said.

"The attack left permanent scars and a loss of sensation... in my fingers."

A witness statement from the officer read: "The attack has had a significant impact on me, not just personally but also professionally.

"I count myself lucky to walk away with minor injuries. I have a small amount of scarring on my arm."

The officer, who has worked as a dog handler for eight years, added that she has suffered from flashbacks since the attack.

The magistrates noted that Miss Wood had done research into Rocco's breeding before purchasing him, and employed a one-to-one trainer.

She was ordered to pay £1,670 in damages.

The dog was signed over to the police and destroyed in August.