A WHITEHAVEN woman whose pet dog savaged a party guest during a row has been given a community order.

Courtney Kirkbride, 25, admitted being the owner of a bull terrier dog called Pablo which attacked the woman while out of control during a gathering at the defendant’s home in Latrigg Road, Whitehaven, last year.

She also admitted three counts of assaulting an emergency worker – namely police officers.  Carlisle Crown Court heard that the dog incident happened on during a social gathering on July 25 last year.

The dog had gone into the kitchen of the house during an argument that had broken out, said prosecutor Tim Evans. 

It bit the victim’s right arm and then dragged her through the house. “It was an unpleasant incident,” said the prosecutor. The attack left the victim bleeding heavily and scarred.

The court heard that kennel fees for the dog after it was seized by the police were now in excess of £5,000.

The court heard also about how the defendant assaulted police officers following a disturbance in Whitehaven in the early hours of April 13. When police arrived to reports of a disturbance outside a pub, said the prosecutor, Kirkbride was immediately aggressive towards the officers.

As she was being taken to a police car, she kicked out at an officer.

At the police station, she aimed a backwards kick at a police officer, catching the man in the knee. Her violent behaviour continued as she was being put into a cell when she tried to bite an officer’s arm.

She also continued to try to deliver kicks to an officer.

Kim Whittlestone, defending, said that the dog incident came in the midst of an argument between the victim and Kirkbride’s father. Kirkbride had been trying to break up the argument.

That was when the dog got involved, possibly because it believed Kirkbride was under attack, said the lawyer.

“The dog was a family pet,” said Miss Whittlestsone, adding: “This is a young woman with a number of difficulties.” She spoke of Kirkbride’s regular contact with mental health professionals.

Miss Whittlestone added: “She drinks at times of crisis and it has led to the behaviour which has led her to come before the courts. But she is now getting help.”

Judge Ian Unsworth QC imposed a 12 month community order with 25 rehabilitation activity days, which should help the defendant get the help that she needs. “You need to embrace this opportunity,” added the judge.

* What will happen to Pablo was not disclosed during the court hearing.