XL Bully dog tears barber's hand during vicious attack on high street

The attack occurred on October 9, 2024, when the man was simply walking along the high street on his way to work.

The victim later stated: "The ripple effect has touched every part of my life."

Stephen Clay, 44, who was handling the XL Bully named Diesel during the attack, received a 25-month prison sentence at a hearing on Tuesday.

The sentence covered multiple offences, including assaulting four police officers. Judge Steven Coupland approved a destruction order for Diesel, which will not be carried out until after the 21-day appeal period ends.

Clay was also banned from having custody of a dog for five years. He had already admitted all charges before Tuesday's hearing.

Clay's offences included having his partner's XL Bully dog out in public without a muzzle on two occasions. CCTV footage of the attack was shown in court.

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Prosecutor Jeremy Janes said: "Diesel was being restrained by a chain lead but as the victim walked past, Diesel bit him on the leg, then on the hand."

He described the assault as "relatively short-lived, but the consequences were significant."

Clay also admitted stealing £39 worth of Fairy products from Beeston's B&M store on October 22.

The victim had skin torn on his left hand to the extent that his bone was exposed.

It remains unclear whether he will ever regain full control of his hand. Diesel was placed in kennels following the attack.

Prosecutor Janes said a destruction order was now appropriate, adding: "None of this is Diesel's fault. Sadly, there seems to be no other sensible alternative."

He also described trying to restrain an XL Bully as being akin to "pushing water uphill".

The court heard Clay had 38 previous convictions from 96 previous offences. Ben Robinson, mitigating, explained Clay had a difficult start to life, including being placed into care after losing his mother.

Robinson said: "He's had dogs for the majority of his adult life and for most of it has had no difficulty whatsoever."

He added that Clay was "completely and utterly addled with regret" about the attack.

While in custody since October 31, Clay has helped other prisoners with mental health problems and completed a maths course. Judge Coupland told Clay: "You knew those rules but you're here today because, on a number of occasions, you ignored those rules."

"The fault is entirely yours. That must have been a terrifying incident so far as [the victim] was concerned."

The judge did acknowledge Clay's efforts in prison, saying: "Rather than just mooching about, doing nothing in custody, you've done the opposite."

He added: "This is your chance to get out, go back with your partner and put into effect the good work you've been doing so far."