a day ago
Shotton couple jailed after dog attack injures toddler
Thomas Moir and Kayleigh Godbert, both of Westminster Crescent in Shotton, appeared for sentence at Mold Crown Court on Friday afternoon.
Both defendants had been convicted at a previous hearing of being an owner/person in charge of a dog which was dangerously out of control which caused injury to another.
Emmalyne Downing, prosecuting, told the court that the offences came to light in 2023 when an ambulance was called out to treat an injured child in Flintshire.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had sustained a "deep laceration" to the top of their head - in addition to numerous other facial and head injuries.
Ms Downing said the primary laceration, which was an inch wide and two inches long, medics "could see the child's skull."
It had been caused by an Akita dog owned by Godbert, now 39, and Moir, now 38.
As Ms Downing described the impact of the 'sustained dog attack', Judge Simon Mills remarked on the "breathtaking" wounds he'd seen in photographic evidence.
"These defendants are so lucky they're not in court facing a charge of manslaughter," he said.
Ms Downing told the court that when the injuries were analysed by police, it was determined the child had been subjected to 'six separate bites' to the head and face, causing significant damage.
And the defendants had been warned previously that the dog may be dangerous after it had bitten someone on an earlier date, she said.
Duncan Bould, defending Godbert, told the court that following the warnings the couple received about the dog's temperament, both defendants did attempt to rehome it.
"With the benefit of hindsight and the tragic injuries caused," he continued, "of course Ms Godbert wishes the dog had been put down.
"That wasn't a course adopted at the time.
"This is a lady who has expressed remorse - and that remorse is genuine.
"From the day she entered her guilty plea, she's known the overwhelming likelihood is that she'd receive an immediate custodial sentence."
Alexandra Carrier, defending Moir, said: "This may not be a total failure to act - some steps were taken, but there was a failure to see those steps through to conclusion in time."
Kayleigh Godbert (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police) Ms Carrier invited to the court to consider whether any prison sentence for her client had to be immediate, and spoke of the benefits community-based intervention may have.
"Punishment can be made by alcohol abstinence and unpaid work," she said.
"And whilst that's a punishment, it might help Mr Moir get back on his feet and get back into work.
"He hasn't had the opportunity to work with probation before."
Judge Simon Mills told both defendants that prior to the attack, they had both received a "very clear" warning about the dog's potential risk.
He said: "The injuries this [child] suffered in what appears to be an unrestrained dog attack were frightening.
"It's your utter negligence that has brought about this result.
"I have read the pre-sentence reports and they don't make for very good reading.
"Mr Moir; you expressed severely limited acceptance of responsibility.
"You said it had 'nothing to do with you.'
Thomas Moir (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police) "Ms Godbert, you told probation you thought you'd get a fine for all of this and described the prospect of going into custody as a 'farce.'
"Certainly at that point, neither of you were showing any appreciation whatsoever of your responsibilities for this terrible incident or the harm it caused."
Judge Mills concluded that the seriousness of the offences meant only an immediate custodial sentence would suffice and jailed both defendants for 18 months.
They were both disqualified from keeping or possessing any dog for the next seven years.
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Detective Constable James Grimwood said: 'This was a horrific incident and has sadly resulted in serious and lasting injuries to a vulnerable child.
'Both Moir and Godbert have shown little remorse throughout this investigation despite the lifelong consequences their actions have had on a young child.
'The court outcome reflects the seriousness of this incident, and I hope that this sends a message to any dog owners to ensure that they do not leave their dogs alone with children.
'I would urge anyone with information of concerns around a dangerous dog to report this to North Wales Police via 101 or though Crime Stoppers.'
