Vicious Dog Attack Leaves Seven-Year-Old Girl with Exposed Bone and Severe Injuries
A Staffordshire bull terrier named Menace escaped from its owner's home and launched a brutal attack on a seven-year-old girl playing in the street with a friend, leaving the child with exposed bone and requiring multiple surgeries. The incident occurred on Dulas Green in Kirkby on May 29, 2025, while the dog's temporary caretaker, Lee Johnston, was in the shower.
Desperate Bystanders Hurl Bricks to Halt the Vicious Assault
Residents heard the young girl screaming and rushed to help, with one woman managing to pull the other child to safety over a garden gate. In a frantic attempt to stop the attack, people began throwing bricks at the powerful Staffy as it mauled the girl on the ground. The dog eventually released the child, but the horror continued when it turned on 22-year-old off-duty nurse Ellie Woods, who had bravely intervened to aid the victim.
Woods sustained bites to her thigh, arm, and stomach during the assault. Her father, Bernard, along with another member of the public, finally contained Menace using a crate until police arrived. The dog was later destroyed following the traumatic events.
Severe Injuries and Ongoing Medical Treatment for the Young Victim
The seven-year-old girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, suffered a series of gruesome bites to her calf, thigh, feet, and hands. Several of these injuries were so severe that they left tissue and bone exposed, necessitating immediate medical attention. She was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, where she underwent two operations before being discharged on June 2.
However, her recovery is far from over. The young victim continues to receive treatment to reduce the visibility of her scars, a lasting reminder of the terrifying ordeal. Meanwhile, Ellie Woods attended Aintree Hospital for her injuries, highlighting the broader impact of the attack.
Owner's Explanation and Legal Proceedings Unfold in Court
Lee Johnston, 55, admitted to being in charge of the dangerously out-of-control dog that caused injury. In a prepared statement, he explained that he had taken ownership of Menace from his son, Rhys Halewood, after the dog had previously attempted to attack another child. Johnston claimed he was "doing a favour" while off sick from work, but had to spend significant time in the shower due to a stomach disorder.
He left the back door open to allow Menace access to what he believed was a secure garden, but speculated that high winds might have damaged the gate or fencing, enabling the dog to escape. Johnston expressed remorse, stating he "felt sick about it" and called the events "the worst possible thing that could have happened."
Sentencing and Reflections on a Tragic, Isolated Incident
At Liverpool Crown Court, Johnston pleaded guilty to two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog causing injury. A further charge related to the production of cannabis, from plants seized at his home, was ordered to lie on the file. Despite having 17 previous convictions for 45 offences, his last conviction was in 2012, with none of a similar nature.
Defence barrister Suzanne Payne described the attack as a "tragic, isolated incident," emphasizing Johnston's remorse and his initial intention to protect his son's young family from the dog. Appearing in the dock wearing a white shirt and black tie, Johnston was sentenced to 27 months in prison, underscoring the severe consequences of failing to control a dangerous animal.
The case has sparked renewed discussions about animal control and owner responsibility, particularly in light of previous incidents involving aggressive dogs. As the victims continue their recovery, the community remains shaken by the brutal attack that unfolded on a quiet street in Kirkby.
