Glasgow woman fined £3,000 after dog bit postman

He suffered a five-inch wound last February which needed 15 stitches - he also had to take four months off his work.

Published 8th Jul 2021

A woman in charge of a dog which chewed a postman's leg in Glasgow has been ordered to pay him £3,000 compensation. Stephanie Colquhoun's partner's dog Bruno - a Staffordshire bull terrier - attacked Andrew Barton in the Milton area last February.

Mr Barton tried to fend off Bruno, who latched onto him for a minute, as he tried to deliver a parcel.

The postman suffered a five-inch wound which needed 15 stitches and he had to take four months off his work.

Stephanie Colquhoun, pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to being in charge of Bruno who was dangerously out of control and bit Mr Barton to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

Sheriff Paul Crozier ordered the 28-year-old - who is in a wheelchair due to ill health - to do 270 hours unpaid work as well as making the compensation order.

She was also put under supervision for 18 months and ordered Bruno to be put down.

An earlier hearing was told Mr Barton tried to deliver a parcel to Miss Colquhoun who answered the door.

Prosecutor Sarah Latta said: "The dog was able to push past her and began to attack Mr Barton by biting him on the leg.

"He tried to get the dog to release his grip by moving his leg and aiming kicks but Bruno wouldn't let go."

Miss Colquhoun also tried to intervene as the incident carried on "for a minute or so."

The dog was taken away from the flat by MissColquhoun's partner as she tended to Mr Barton with bandages.

A 999 call was made and Mr Barton was taken to hospital for treatment to a wound to his left calf."

Miss Latta added: "It was five to six centimetres deep and five inches in length.

"The wound had gone down to the bone and Mr Barton was left with a puncture wound on the other leg.

"He had to have 15 stiches and has been left permanently scarred.

"He was off work until 30 June 2020 doing office duties."

Colquhoun stated to police Bruno had been aggressive in the days leading up to the attack after he was ambushed by two neighbours' dogs.

Paul Sutherland, defending, said: "This is a serious matter which will have had profound consequences on the man doing his job."