A 65-year-old dog owner has firmly denied being in charge of two dangerously out of control pets following a devastating incident that left 35 sheep dead and another 14 injured in a brutal attack. The alleged assault on the flock occurred on July 18 last year at Assington Green near Stansfield, Suffolk, with the animals owned by Linda Lawrence said to have terrorised the sheep.
Court Proceedings and Denials
At Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Friday, Lawrence entered a plea of 'not guilty' in a clear voice, speaking only to confirm her name and address while standing in the glass-fronted dock. She denied destroying or damaging sheep valued at approximately £40,000 without lawful excuse, whether intentionally or through recklessness.
Furthermore, Lawrence contested the charge of being the owner of two German Shepherd dogs that injured sheep while dangerously out of control, which contravenes the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act. The defendant, who resides in Assington Green, was accompanied by family and friends during the hearing.
Case Escalated to Crown Court
Magistrates determined that the matter was too complex for their jurisdiction and committed Lawrence for trial at Ipswich Crown Court. Presiding magistrate Christopher Day explained to Lawrence that after hearing a basic outline of the events, they had refused jurisdiction due to the case's complexity.
Lawrence was released on bail with the strict condition that she must not own, control, or be in charge of any dogs. Day emphasised the importance of her court attendance, warning that failure to appear could result in an arrest warrant being issued.
Prosecution's Allegations
Prosecutor Sarah Dawes outlined the prosecution's case, alleging that on July 18, two dogs belonging to the defendant attacked and killed a significant number of sheep. The financial impact of the incident was estimated at around £40,000, covering injuries and associated losses for the complainant.
Dawes argued that the case was unsuitable for summary trial due to the circumstances, history between the parties, and the substantial compensation being sought. A third charge of owning a dog that worried livestock at Assington Green on the same date will be presented when Lawrence appears at crown court later this month.
Future Court Appearance
Lawrence, who attempted to conceal herself under a green umbrella upon leaving court, is scheduled to appear before Ipswich Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing on March 30. She nodded in agreement as the magistrate explained the bail conditions and the consequences of non-attendance.
The incident has highlighted concerns about dangerous dogs and livestock protection in rural Suffolk communities, with the legal proceedings set to continue as the case moves to a higher court for resolution.
