Well, The Justice System Isn't Going To Let That Happen, Surely?

Ms Huyton and her partner, 41-year-old Luke Hobbart, had owned Bailey - their first dog - since he was a puppy.

Speaking at the time, Ms Huyton told the ECHO: "Bailey was a big softy and would never hurt anyone, he was as soft as anything. He enjoyed human company more than other dogs.

"I just don't want anyone else to go through what we went through."

I mean, surely not? With all the aggravating features? 

Carmel Wilde, defending, said: "The defendant very much wishes to convey his genuine remorse. It appears to be out of character for the dog."

Wait, dogs have character in court? 

The court heard Leguen had "relatively minor previous convictions", which were some time ago.

Not the point. He had convictions.  

When Leguen was interviewed five days later, he denied being involved and gave an alibi. But he was picked out by Ms Huyton in an identity parade on November 11.

So, he lied to evade punishment? 

Judge Murray told him: "This was a serious incident and, as I've told your barrister, had you been sentenced nearer the time, an immediate sentence of imprisonment would likely have been the result.

However, there are unusual aspects of this case."

Can't see that myself, it seems a pretty regular case of underclass scum with uncontrollable killing machines. These cases are two a penny. 

He said there were "two important points", firstly that the attack was more than two years ago, and secondly that the prosecution was brought on the basis the dog was Jess, and when the indictment was amended to state it was Rocky, Leguen pleaded guilty.

*speechless*