A Newcastle man commanded his Staffordshire Bull Terrier to attack two police officers when they came to arrest him following a domestic incident.
Sean Michael Bell was drunk and sitting in his car outside his then-partner's Blyth home on January 9 last year when police turned up following reports of a domestic violence incident. But when the officers went to arrest him, Bell ordered his 10-year-old Staffy, Buster, who was sitting in the back seat, to "get them". It was then that the dog viciously attacked the officers, leaving them both with significant injuries.
Bell also attacked the male and female officers and dished out verbal abuse before he was finally arrested. When the 37-year-old was taken back to the police station, he spat at another officer.
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On Tuesday, Bell, of Banbury Road, Kenton, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog and two counts of section 18 with intent to avoid apprehension. He also was sentenced for a charge of common assault.
The court heard that two Northumbria Police police officers, a male and female, attended the Blyth home of Bell's then-partner following reports of a domestic incident. When they arrived, Bell, who was drunk, was sitting in car outside of the property trying to sober up as Buster sat in the back.
Recorder Mark Giuliani, said: "Both officers treated you with respect throughout. The male officer went to your car as the female officer went to the house. Your dog was in the back seat and it became clear you had been involved in a dispute with your then-partner and police wished to arrest you."
But as soon as the officers told Bell he was to be arrested, he turned aggressive - as did Buster. Mr Giuliani added: "You replied you had not done anything wrong and refused to get out of the car and started to resist attempts to detain you. When the male officer took hold of your arm, you told the dog to attack. Buster jumped out of the seat, barked and proceeded to bite the officer."
The court was told Bell commanded Buster to "get them". By that time, the female officer had returned and Bell started "throwing punches" at the officers, despite having handcuffs on. Buster bit the female officer around four of five times on the leg and bit the male officer around two or three times on the leg as well.
Recorder Giuliani said police bodycam footage showed Bell shouting "piggy c****" at the time as the female officer's "blood chilling and curdling screams in pain" rang out. At one point, the terrified female officer produced her Taser to try and get the dog off her, but couldn't get a safe aim.
The attack ended when Bell's then-partner came out of the home and Buster was locked in the car. The female officer sustained bite wounds to her thigh and leg, with the male officer sustaining wounds to his thigh and calf. When Bell was taken to the police station, he spat at another officer.
The court heard that following the attacks, the female officer was left with "significant trauma" and now has an "absolute fear of dogs", as well as permanent nerve damage in her leg. The male officer said in a statement that Bell had used Buster as a weapon against them and said he would "never forget the screams of pain" from his colleague.
Nicoleta Alistari, defending, said Buster is a 10-year-old dog who is "not dangerous unless in the hands of someone not fit and proper". She said members of Bell's family could look after Buster and insure the dog, as well as muzzle him on any potential walks.
She added that whilst on remand in custody, Bell had "engaged with various programmes" and had "worked hard". She said: "He has made the conscious decision to maximise his time in prison." Ms Alistari added Bell was "keen to seek paid work upon his release" and was "actively dealing with his alcohol use and fully intends to stop drinking".
Sentencing Bell, who had previous convictions for criminal damage and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, Recorder Giuliani said the home environment of Bell's family was "not suitable" for Buster to live in and raised concerns due to a "chaotic family" background.
Recorder Giuliani said it was not appropriate for Buster to live with other members of Bell's family and ordered him to be destroyed. Bell was jailed for eight and a half years and was banned from keeping pets for 18 years.
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