Woman who defended XL Bully jailed after child left with horrifying injuries

15 January 2024 , 11:33

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Paula Jenkins has been banned from owning dogs after her XL Bully attacked a young boy in Manchester (Image: Men Media)

A woman who claimed her XL Bully was "great around children" after it viscously attacked a child has been jailed.

Paula Jenkins, 43, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison following the terrifying incident which saw Syed Gardazee, 12, get mauled by the dog in Oldham, Manchester, as he cycled home last year October.

Syed was left with "serious injuries" following the attack which saw neighbours desperately hit the canine, named Milo, with metal poles and brooms.

Claudia Stoicu, 31, was also injured during the attack as she attempted to save the youngster. Syed was rushed to hospital where he underwent a gruelling surgery after the XL bully latched its teeth onto his arms.

Jenkins pleaded guilty to two charges of owning a dog dangerously out of control when she appeared at Tameside Magistrates’ Court, one month after the incident.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

After her court appearance she defended her dog and said: “Of course, I regret what happened. But the circumstances behind it were really nasty. Milo has been like a baby to me and I was traumatised when I saw what he did to the boy. He’s never been aggressive before and is normally a happy dog who’s great around children."

Milo will be put down following the attack (STEVE ALLEN)

Jenkins previously defended her dog and said he was usually good around kids (STEVE ALLEN)

At a hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday (January 12), Jenkins received the 16-month sentence, reports Manchester Evening News. The court also ordered the destruction of the XL Bully, and barred Jenkins from owning a dog for five years. It comes after the government introduced new legal restrictions last week against XL Bullies. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak previously announced the ban and said "American XL bully dogs are a danger to our communities."

Under the new restrictions, all owners are required to keep their dogs on the lead and muzzled when in public. People have also been prohibited from breeding, selling and advertising the dog, among other restrictions.

Monica Charsley