Suspended jail sentence for Brandon man after ‘dangerous’ dog attacks child and leaves bone exposed

A man has received a suspended jail sentence after a ‘dangerously out of control’ dog attacked a child who suffered a serious leg injury which left the bone exposed.

Dermot Bradley-Beacham, 61, of Thetford Road, Brandon, was the owner of a Russian Terrier which escaped from his home on August 5 last year due to an insecure garden fence and bit the child on the leg.

The boy, aged under 13, suffered a serious leg injury which left the bone exposed.

He was initially taken to West Suffolk Hospital before being taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for surgery.

The boy was released from hospital two days after the incident.

Bradley-Beacham was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday, March 24 after previously pleading guilty to being the owner in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury.

He was given a two-year suspended prison sentence and told to pay £2,400 in compensation.

While officers conducted inquiries, Bradley-Beacham admitted he had already had problems with the dog, which was destroyed after the incident, including one where it had previously bitten another person.

He confirmed the dog was not friendly to other dogs or to children and admitted knowing the garden fence was insecure but still allowed it into the garden.

PC Stephen Yates said: “This was a completely avoidable incident that has left a young boy needing surgery.

“It shows the importance of responsible dog ownership and the importance of ensuring dogs are properly trained and outdoor spaces are secure.

“I hope this is a warning to other dog owners of the dangers if they fail to take their responsibilities seriously.”