A thug has been jailed after ordering his American XL Bully dog to maul a delivery driver.
Taig Jepson, 25, told pet dog Lexi to "attack" courier John Forsyth, 26, leaving the victim with severe lacerations to his arm and 18 puncture wounds over his body.
Neighbour Denis Lunka had beeped his horn at Mr Forsyth as he got out of his car in acknowledgment of him waving - but Jepson misunderstood this, the court heard.
The defendant began arguing with Mr Lunka, calling him abusive names.
Mr Forsyth tried to explain the situation but Jepson punched him in the head, knocking his glasses off.
He stumbled to the ground and after getting back to his feet the defendant punched him in the face, causing his nose to bleed.
As Mr Forsyth backed away, Jepson ordered the dog to "attack".
The pet bit and clamped down on his right arm which began to bleed, and prevented him from escaping as the defendant punched and kicked him, said prosecutor Martyn Walsh.
Neighbours came to his aid and the dog eventually ran away.
The incident took place around 9.30pm on January 6 on Leicester Street, Warrington.
Jepson from Warrington, Cheshire, was jailed for eight years on Friday, after admitting causing grievous bodily harm with intent and being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog.
Liverpool Crown Court heard he had no recollection of the attack due to being high on drink and drugs at the time.
It is not clear where the dog - which had clipped ears - is now, though it's understood Jepson sold it to some travellers.
Mr Forsyth has to undergo surgery to repair damage to his bicep, and was kept in hospital for three days.
"The dog had pulled him like a tug of war,' said Mr Walsh, reports the Daily Mail.
Judge David Aubrey, KC, said: "There has been much public debate as to whether such a breed should become the subject of a banned breed.
"There has also been much debate because of a number of tragedies and indeed fatalities that have occurred over a period of time."
He said these involved dogs of the same breed or similar that were seriously out of control.
The judge described the dog as "solid, muscular potentially tenacious" and "under your instruction".
He added Jepson and the dog were a "lethal cocktail, as events clearly demonstrated".
Jepson had been arrested on April 19.
Mr Forsyth said in an impact statement he had to be off work for six weeks due to his injuries, during which time he didn't receive sick pay.
The court heard that Jepson has previous convictions including assault, wounding, and drugs.
David Ross, defending, said when intoxicated Jepson can be a different person, describing it as a "Jekyll and Hyde situation".
He was banned from keeping a dog for 10 years.
A destruction order was made for the dog.
