Brodie Logan, 20, of no fixed address, has been jailed for 38 months after using a dog as a weapon during a robbery at a vape shop in Sunderland. He admitted robbery, theft, and being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.
Incident at vape shop
On November 10, Logan entered a vape shop with a brown and white lurcher-type dog. He brazenly stole stock and was challenged by a staff member. During the struggle, he set the dog on the worker, who was bitten on the hand and arm, allowing Logan to escape, although he dropped some of the stolen items.
Earlier shoplifting incident
A week earlier, on November 2, Logan targeted an outdoor shop with the same dog. He again stole stock and carried a bottle labelled ammonia. When a staff member confronted him, he tried to set the dog on her repeatedly, but the dog did not obey. He then produced the bottle, and some liquid splashed onto the worker's hand, causing a burning sensation that required a hospital visit. The victim later changed jobs as a result.
Court sentencing
At Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Tom Moran told Logan: "You have shown yourself as currently someone who should not be allowed to have a dog." Logan was also banned from owning a dog for four years. His defence lawyer, Helen Towers, said he had a difficult background, had been in care, and showed remorse. The court heard his offending was linked to drug use.
