Businessman denies dog attack crime

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A BUSINESS tycoon who owned rottweilers which savaged a postman has denied committing a criminal offence.

Robert Stewart, 44, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of having a dog causing injury in a private place at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court today (mon), in a landmark legal case.

His daughter Emma Stewart, 22, also had a not guilty plea to the same charge entered on her behalf by solicitor Elaine Havord.

Neither of the pair, both of Gazeley Lane, Trumpington, was present for the hearing.

The charges relate to an attack on postman Keith Davies, from Royston, as he delivered Christmas cards on the unadopted road on December 22 last year.

The 54-year-old almost lost his arm when the rottweilers set on him but he was saved by bricklayer Anthony Lunn, who fought off the animals with an iron bar and ran one over with his van.

Mr Davies required lengthy surgery to save the limb and is still off work.

Paul Brown, prosecuting, asked for the matter to be sent to Cambridge Crown Court for trial, based on the complicated legal issues and the seriousness of Mr Davies’ injuries.

Mrs Havord did not oppose this but said she did not believe the prosecution had a case against either of her clients.

Campaigners had feared a prosecution could not be brought because the Dangerous Dogs Act is largely concerned with public places – and Gazeley Lane is a private road – so the outcome of the case could have repercussions for thousands of pet owners.

Mr Stewart, managing director of Stevenage Packaging Limited and a former chairman of Royston Town Football Club, had the dogs put down immediately after the incident.

He lives at the property with his wife Hilary and also has a son. Magistrates declined jurisdiction over the case and the Stewarts will reappear on November 27, for committal to crown court.