Parents jailed after tragic death of three-year-old boy in Rochdale
Joanne Bedford and Mark Twigg sentenced for keeping dog dangerously out of control
Last updated 10th Oct 2025
Two parents from Blackley have been jailed following the tragic death of their three-year-old son, Daniel Twigg, who was fatally attacked by a dog in Rochdale in May 2022.
Joanne Bedford, 37, and Mark Twigg, 43, both of Highview Walk, were sentenced today (Friday 10th October 2025) at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court after being convicted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.
Bedford received a prison sentence of three years and six months, while Twigg was sentenced to two years and eight months. Both have been disqualified from keeping dogs for 15 years.
The sentencing follows a trial earlier this year where both were acquitted of manslaughter but found guilty of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Emergency services were called to Carr Farm on Tunshill Lane, Rochdale, shortly after 1:10pm on Sunday 15th May 2022, following reports that Daniel had been attacked by a Cane Corso named Sid. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and trauma staff at Manchester Children’s Hospital, Daniel sadly died later that afternoon from multiple head and neck injuries.
The dog, one of eleven kept on the property, was destroyed at the scene after showing extreme agitation. The family had moved to the farm two months before the fatal attack.
In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Kerr said:
“No sentence in a case such as this can undo the damage done, nor assuage the grief of the bereaved. You have both lost your beloved son. The wrongdoing that led to Daniel’s death must be punished, and it is my mournful duty to see it done.”
Detective Sergeant Mark Evans from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team said:
“This was a deeply tragic and traumatic incident that has left a permanent mark on everyone involved—from Daniel’s family and neighbours to the officers and medical professionals who responded that day.
"Daniel was a bright, curious little boy who had grown up around dogs, but as a toddler, he couldn’t understand the risks they could pose. What happened to him was deeply tragic, and I want to thank the teams who worked tirelessly to bring justice for Daniel.”
Dog Legislation Officer Stephen Greenough added: “The dogs in this case were unpredictable, powerful, and not properly trained or controlled—and the consequences were devastating. Dogs should never be left unattended with children, particularly those under sixteen. Daniel was exposed to a situation no child should ever face, and the outcome was heartbreaking.
“We urge all dog owners to take their responsibilities seriously. If a dog is dangerously out of control and causes injury, the law will hold you accountable. This case should serve as a stark warning of what can happen when those responsibilities are ignored.”
Daniel’s family previously paid tribute to him, describing him as a “happy, kind and caring little boy who was loved by all who knew him.”
They said: “Daniel was a happy, kind and caring little boy who was loved by all who knew him. He loved Paw Patrol and playing with his brother and sister, and he also loved being around animals—especially his pony, Splash.
"He brought us many laughs and was a comical character. He was brave, intelligent and full of many characteristics. Daniel loved being with his whole family and will be missed by all. On behalf of our family, we ask people to respect our privacy.”