A dog is to be ‘destroyed’ after a Chippenham woman breached a court order.
Ann Jefferies, 50, was given numerous chances to keep her Patterdale Terrier, named Digby, under control following at least three attacks on members of the public.
The eight-year-old pet sunk his teeth into victims twice in 2018 and another in January 2020 – biting a woman who was taking part in a running event at Monkton Park.
In May 2021, the defendant – who is said to have “thinking deficits” – pleaded guilty to owning a dog that caused injury whilst dangerously out of control.
Magistrates sentenced her to a community order and put a contingent destruction order on Digby. She was told that further incidents may result in his death.
On Friday (7 June), Jefferies was arrested on a warrant and put before Swindon Magistrates’ Court charged with owning a dog that was dangerously out of control on 4 May last year.
She pleaded guilty to the offence and the court ordered that Digby is destroyed. It’s understood police are to seize the dog and arrange for him to be put to sleep.
The defendant, of The Butts, Chippenham, was sentenced to a 12-month community order with ten rehabilitation activity days.
She must also serve a three-month GPS-monitored curfew, prohibiting her from leaving her home between 10pm and 7am daily. Jefferies must also pay court costs and a surcharge.
