A man has admitted to being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog that killed his younger brother.

Gary Stevens, 54, pleaded guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act of being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

The breed was not mentioned during the hearing at Derby Crown Court today.

Wayne Stevens, 51, was attacked at a house in Cameron Road, Derby, during the early hours of 22 April.

The dog was “destroyed at the scene” due to “presenting a risk to officers and the public”, Derbyshire Police said at the time.

Prosecutor Julia King told the court: “I would argue that this was high culpability.

“I would argue that the behaviour witnessed by a number of witnesses can be relied upon to inform the court as to the circumstances which in fact led to the death.”

Defending Stevens, Tony Stanford told the court it was “an extremely upsetting incident for him to witness and be a part of”.

“He tried to pull the dog off his brother, to save his brother,” he said.

“He bears considerable psychological guilt.”

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Read more:
Man dies after being attacked by two dogs
American XL bully dogs to be banned, says PM

Adjourning proceedings, Judge Shaun Smith KC told Stevens: “You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence.

“Prison is the most likely option, it is just a question of how long.

“But I will give you bail in the meantime, so you can put your affairs in order.”

Stevens will be sentenced at the same court on 3 November.

Related posts:

Speeding up easing lockdown risks ‘flying blind’, govt chief scientific adviser warns ‘Lucky not to be dead’: Police officer describes moment he was shot three times in the face CCTV footage released by police hunting Marcus Rashford mural vandal New Year’s Eve firework display over Thames cancelled due to COVID Patient who died last week from Lassa fever ‘was a newborn baby’ Just two glasses of wine can ‘exceed daily sugar’ limit Prince Andrew ‘would have been a disaster’ on the stand if civil sex claim had gone to court Olympic champion suspended after hitting horse with branch Man accused of murdering nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte appears in court Wages up – but so is unemployment Wrexham owners Reynolds and McElhenney honoured for ‘promoting Wales to the world’ Nicola Sturgeon fights back tears as she issues ‘heartfelt’ apology over forced adoptions