Brother of tragic North Shields house fire victim had dog that left a pensioner needing stitches
Louis Casson, the sibling of Leah Casson, who died following a blaze in her home in January 2023, was in charge of the animal when it randomly attacked a man in the street
by Sara Nichol · ChronicleLiveA brother of a teenager who tragically died in a house fire has admitted having a dog that left a pensioner needing stitches.
Louis Casson, the sibling of 18-year-old Leah Casson, who died following a blaze in her North Shields family home in January 2023, was in charge of the German Malinois when it randomly attacked a 68-year-old in the street. A court heard that the animal bit the victim on the abdomen before also sinking it's teeth into his arm.
The man was taken to hospital with injuries, including a "deep puncture wound" to his arm, which needed stitches. Casson, 18, of Whitley Road, in Holystone, has now pleaded guilty to being the owner or person in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control and caused injury.
Stephen Davies, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said the victim was walking along Whitley Road at around 8.40pm on September 23 last year. Mr Davies continued: "He became aware of someone walking towards him with a dog on a lead. That was this defendant.
"He didn't see what was to happen but he became aware he had been bitten on the right side of his abdomen. He put his arm out to protect himself and the dog took hold of his arm, causing injury to his arm."
In interview, Casson admitted being in charge of the dog but said it belonged to someone else, who has pleaded not guilty in relation to the same offence and will stand trial next month. Kash Khan, defending, said Casson hadn't been told the dog would react to people.
Mr Khan added: "Mr Casson is a young man with various issues. Two years ago, his sister died in a house fire, which was well-publicised. He and his mum have been living in temporary accommodation."
District Judge Paul Currer decided to adjourn sentence for the preparation of a report and to see what happens with the co-accused's trial. Casson was released on unconditional bail to next appear at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court on December 2.
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