Owner of 11th century castle 'failed to stop his dangerous dogs Rona and Doubleé attacking postman and staff'

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Robert Hay, owner of Bickleigh Castle, appeared in court in Exeter to answer charges on Tuesday

The owner of an 11th century castle and wedding venue has been accused of having two dangerous dogs including one that allegedly bit a man.

Robert Hay, owner of Bickleigh Castle near Tiverton, appeared in court charged with being the owner of a black Labrador named Rona which was dangerously out of control causing injury to Mark Peters on October 7 last year.


He is also charged with failing to control fellow black Labrador Doubleé which 'snapped' at a postman visiting the castle on October 6.

There is a third charge of failing to comply with a control of dog order made after Doubleé bit a teenage boy who was working at a wedding at the castle in 2015.

Hay, 71, spoke only to confirm his, age and address during the short hearing at Exeter Magistrates' Court on Tuesday morning.

He was not required to enter a plea and the case was adjourned until April 3, DevonLive reports.


Bickleigh Castle dates back to the 11th century and the chapel is believed to be even older, possibly 6th century.

Wedding packages for a weekend, during which you have the whole castle to yourself, start at £12,000.

The grounds are also currently used to host lavish five-star wedding ceremonies with Hay and his wife Sarah hosting hundreds of events since they bought it more than 10 years ago.