Father admits dangerous dog charge over death of newborn son in Doncaster
Elon Ellis-Joynes was 12 days old when he died in September 2020
Last updated 23rd Dec 2021
A father whose newborn son was killed by the family pet in Doncaster has admitted being the owner of a dangerously out-of-control dog.
Elon Ellis-Joynes was 12 days old when he was attacked by a Chow-Chow-cross at his home in the town on September 13 2020.
Elon's parents: Abigail Ellis, 28, and Steven Joynes, 36, of Welfare Road, Woodlands, Doncaster, were both charged following the incident.
On Thursday, Joynes pleaded guilty at Sheffield Crown Court to a charge of being the owner of a dog which caused death when dangerously out of control.
Ellis, who also appeared in court on Thursday, denied the same charge at a previous hearing and is due to go on trial on July 11.
Judge Jeremy Richardson QC said another hearing will take place on February 11 when further decisions about the case will be made.
Judge Richardson bailed both defendants but told Joynes: "All sentencing options, including being sent to prison, remain open. The mere fact you're on bail reveals nothing."