Alcoholic threw dog onto pavement and threatened to stab pedestrians (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Alcoholic Paul French threw dog onto pavement and threatened to stab pedestrians

12:00pm Saturday 27th October 2012 in News By Alexandra Rucki

An alcoholic threw his dog onto a pavement and threatened to stab pedestrians, a court heard.

Paul French, 36, of Nansen Road, Battersea, will serve a six month community order for the attack which took place in Lavender Hill, Battersea.

On Thursday Lavender Hill Magistrates Court heard witnesses saw French crossing Lavender Hill on August 4 this year.

He was tugging his bull terrier on a lead and tried to get it to sit in the middle of the road, narrowly missing passing traffic.

A witness tried to intervene, but French picked the dog up and threw it face down onto the pavement.

Another witness, Hazel Roberts, saw the dog being kicked and tried to help, which led to Mr French threatening to stab her.

Prosecuting, Mr John, said: "Hazel Roberts saw the dog was distressed. He said 'I'm going to knife you'.

"CCTV shows him kicking it several times from Clapham Junction to Lavender Hill."

Mr French was arrested on August 8 and pleaded guilty, with his pet of 12 years being taken off him.

Defending, Mr Finchman, said French had been drinking in a pub and mourning the anniversary of a friend who died from cancer.

It was also the anniversary his mother's death, while his long term partner died in 2007.

Mr Finchman, said: "He is absolutely disgusted with his behaviour that day. He extends his apologies to everyone who was witness on that day.

"He has not acted in this way before, this is the first time he is in court for a violent offence.

"Having lost the dog he feels like he has absolutely nothing."

The court heard he has been getting help for his drinking problem and is attending Wandsworth bereavement service.

Magistrates gave him a community order of six months, which includes an alcohol treatment programme for six months and an £85 fine.