Condemned to death, Demon the dog who even police say is not a problem - it is his owner who is the real trouble
A PIT Bull called Demon is on death row waiting to be destroyed – despite claims that it’s his owner who is the real danger.
Chaos erupted in court when Daniel Andrews, from South Shields, appeared to face a charge of possessing a fighting dog.
He threatened to kill a police dog in retaliation and fought security in the dock, shouting: “I’m going to f ***** smash your face in!”
The outburst came after Andrews was told he would be jailed for 10 weeks as Demon – a fighting dog who he claimed he had trained to bite – was made the subject of a destruction order.
Andrews’ defence lawyer pleaded for the banned dog’s life and asked for it to be given to Andrews’ ex-partner.
The court also heard that Northumbria Police had no fear of the animal as officers had played with it and cuddled it numerous times.
Prosecutors claimed one officer said: “Mr Andrews is dangerous but the dog is not.”
However, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard police feared that under Andrews’ control the dog could endanger the public.
Prosecutors said Andrews, 25, had a “substantial” history of violence and there were hostile scenes in court as the case unfolded.
As officers sprinted into court, a guard blocked the door as Andrews yelled: “What are you looking at you fat little m***?”
He seemingly charged at the guard despite being handcuffed before staff closed the courtroom.
Earlier, the court heard Andrews had mental health issues, which came to the fore last November 7 when police seized Demon.
Officers arrived to his South Shields home amid reports he was having a breakdown.
“He shouted out to the police don’t come in, the dog will bite,” said prosecutor Ami Dodd.
“That was just an idle threat as at that time he was suffering from a number of mental health problems.”
A skilled officer seized the dog, later assessing it was a banned breed.
Despite that, the court heard there was “nothing untoward” about Demon.
“We can’t say the dog is out of control,” admitted Miss Dodd. “In fact it appears to be under control.
“Although Demon does appear friendly, Mr Andrews is not a fit and proper person to own (it).”
Demon was bought for £400 via Facebook as a gift for the couple’s son, the court heard.
In mitigation, it was claimed Andrews had no idea when it was bought it was an illegal breed as it wasn’t advertised that way.
“At the point they purchased it they believed it was a different breed,” claimed his solicitor.
The solicitor added the only reason the dog was with Andrews that night, and not his ex, was she had given it to him as he was feeling low.
Despite appeals to let police test Andrews’ ex to check she was a fit and proper owner, District Judge Roger Elsey ordered its destruction under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
“You are not a fit and proper person to be in charge of a dog,” he told an irate Andrews, of Seafield Terrace.
Andrews’ solicitor told the court he could appeal.