Man sentenced after his three dogs mauled a student in a Brixton park

A man whose three dogs attacked a student walking through St. Martin's Park in Brixton, causing her serious injuries, has been sentenced.

Darren Massay, 28, previously pleaded guilty to three offences of being in control of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury.

He was sentenced today (28 June 2024) at the Inner London Crown Court to 14 months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Massay must also pay the victim £2500 in compensation and is disqualified from owning dogs for a period of 10 years.

Massay was walking his three dogs, one of which was a banned Pitbull Terrier type breed, when he let go of the leads of two dogs.

The two dogs immediately ran over and encircled the victim and started jumping up at her. She called to Massay to ask that he control them, but he was unable to do so, and the dogs continued to nip and bite her.

The third dog, although on his lead, led Massay towards the victim and all three continued to maul and bite her, causing significant injuries that required hospital treatment.

Tracy Mesmain, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This was an incredibly frightening incident for the victim, who has been left with serious injuries to her arm and face.

“Quite clearly, Darren Massay had no control of his dogs, and this has resulted in a member of the public being attacked.

“Certain breeds of dog are banned because they are dangerous. The public should be free to walk through parks and around our local communities without the fear of being attacked by dangerously out of control dogs.

“I hope this case reminds dog owners of their responsibility to ensure they have sufficient control of their animals.

“We also hope that the victim will feel a sense of justice and our thoughts are with her whilst she recovers from her injuries.”