The owner of a dog which permanently scarred a teenager after sinking its teeth into his thigh has been sentenced by a judge.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that James Cochrane, 53, of Main Street, Cleator, failed to either intervene or apologise when his German Shepherd, Rebel, bit 17-year-old Terry Irving in Workington.

Having got loose from its lead, Rebel shook its head "back and forth with Mr Irving's leg in its jaws". The teen needed hospital treatment, was left with a disfigurement and is now scared when seeing a dog off its lead.

Cochrane pleaded guilty today to a charge of being the owner of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control in a public place.

Recorder Abigail Hudson concluded that the incident, at Workington's Fountains Avenue, in October, 2015, was "isolated" and that Rebel did not pose a danger to others.

But Cochrane was warned the dog would be put down if it bit another person.

Recorder Hudson told him: "If you love your dog you will protect him from that fate by making sure this does not happen again."

Cochrane must complete 60 hours' unpaid work, and pay Mr Irving £400 compensation.