Tycoon in court over dog attack on postman

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news ... ?ID=436644" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A BUSINESS tycoon and his daughter appeared in court today for the launch of landmark proceedings over a frenzied rottweiler attack on a postman.

Robert Stewart, 44, and Emma Stewart, 22, were summonsed to Cambridge Magistrates’ Court to face charges under the Dangerous Dogs Act, after Keith Davies was savaged outside the family’s £1.3 million mansion in Trumpington.

The 54-year-old mailman, from Royston, almost lost his arm in the assault by two dogs on Gazeley Road last December 22, but was saved by bricklayer Anthony Lunn who fought off the animals with an iron bar and ran one over with his van.

There were fears a prosecution could not be brought because the Dangerous Dogs Act is concerned with public places – and the incident happened in a private cul-de-sac.

But prosecutors are expected to argue the road was open to the public and the Stewarts are facing charges of having a dog causing injury in a private place.

The pair, both smartly dressed in dark suits, spoke only to confirm their names and addresses during the brief hearing.

The charges were not put to them and they did not enter any pleas.

Instead their solicitor Sam Mainds asked for a three-week adjournment because Mr Stewart, managing director of plastic bag firm Stevenage Packaging Limited, has a holiday booked.

Magistrates accepted this and Mr Mainds said it was yet to be decided whether his clients would ask for the case to be heard at the city’s Crown court.

The launch of proceedings could have repercussions for thousands of dog owners on unadopted roads and it has been welcomed by campaigners.

David Joyce, safety and environment officer at the Communications Workers Union, said he was pleased the case had been brought to court.

Mr Stewart, who lives at the property with his wife Hilary and also has a son, Callum, had the dogs put down immediately after the incident.

Mr Davies required lengthy surgery to save his arm and is still off work.

The Stewarts will reappear before magistrates on August 17.

[andy2007]

It's about time that someone tried to change the law to protect Posties, and indeed anyone else, who might be using an unadopted road.

I just hope that they also start protecting people who are on private land, for legal purposes (e.g. deliverine the Mail).

[brothermagrew]

A three week adjournement because they have got hols booked says it all

[Mr Blonde]

A three week adjournement because they have got hols booked says it all

With any luck they'll have a longer holiday after the court case. From what I read this was a horrible attack and they need to be held responsible for their dogs.

[andy2007]

A three week adjournement because they have got hols booked says it all

With any luck they'll have a longer holiday after the court case. From what I read this was a horrible attack and they need to be held responsible for their dogs.

A lot will depend on how good the Victims Lawyer is, compared with the Legal Team that the Stewarts will be able to put together.

I just hope that they don't escape on some technicality.