Man in court over dog attack on mum and baby (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Man in court over dog attack on mother with baby in Wandsworth

11:04am Friday 11th May 2012 in News

A 46-year-old man has been charged with possession of a dangerous dog, after a mother was attacked in front of her two week old baby.

Paul McLean, unemployed, of Tooting, is due appear in Lavender Hill Magistrates Court today for possession of a dog dangerously out of control.

The woman was at a bus stop with her husband and baby in Burntwood Lane, Tooting, on April 27, when a white dog with brown spots clamped its jaws around her wrist.

Its owner appeared oblivious to the attack and walked away without apologising or checking on the woman.

She was taken to St George's Hospital, Tooting, and treated for injuries.

Police officers circulated a description of the man and his dog, which led to the arrest of Mr McLean.

The dog was seized by officers for examination under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Acting Police Sergeant Suzie Rylatt said: "We are delighted that our efforts mean that a potentially dangerous dog has been taken off the streets and its owner will face justice.

"The victim of this particular attack escaped relatively lightly thanks to her thick clothing on the day."