Drunk man whose large cane corso dog killed his brother lied to police it was just a poodle

He also emphasized that Stevens’ drunken state contributed to the loss of control over the dog. During sentencing, the judge acknowledged that witnessing his brother’s death and not saving him likely affected the defendant’s mental health. The court heard that the 51-year-old victim, who had been drinking vodka with his brother after returning from a pub, died near the bottom of a staircase from what the judge described as injuries “multiple, massive and horrible”.

Stevens, who now resides in Vicarage Road, Mickleover, Derby, admitted in September last year being responsible for a dog dangerously out of control causing injuries resulting in death. As part of his sentence, Stevens was jailed for four and a half years and banned from owning a dog for life.

The court was told the Cane Corso was a “bull terrier mix”, not an XL bully, and was given to Stevens by a mother of five who had “too much” to care for.

Prosecutor Laura Pitman told the court that Stevens had swore at the officers, loosely grabbed the dog’s lead and released the animal, causing some of the emergency services present to “retreat” into the vehicles.

An ambulance technician “bravely” entered the premises and was bitten on the thigh while checking on the victim, who appeared dead. In police interviews, Ms Pitman told the court, Stevens said: “The dog would normally go to the face or neck area if it was aggressive because that’s what these dogs do – they’re biting dogs.”

Stevens had initially used a cage to protect others, but later let the dog roam his property. Elsewhere in interviews, he described the pet as “assertive” and said it had previously attacked an Akita and had “gone for” and “taken a look” at its other two siblings.

Asked by police how he believed the fatal incident had happened, Stevens said of Wayne: “My brother talks with his hands, especially after a drink. He can be quite aggressive in his tone and the dog would react to that . I think that must have been the trigger; it’s the only thing I can think of.”

During mitigation, defense barrister Tony Stanford said Stevens had been subjected to severe violence during his childhood and had offered Wayne a place to live at a time when he was homeless.

“It’s something he’ll never forget and something he’ll never forgive,” Stanford said. “His remorse is genuine.”

Detective Constable Chris Barker said: “This was a very difficult incident which put officers and paramedics at significant risk and I would like to thank those who attended. They did everything they could to try and protect everyone involved and cause no harm to the dog involved, but ultimately there was no other option but to destroy it.

“I am confident that quick actions and clear decision-making at the scene helped prevent further injury to others. My thoughts, as they have been since the beginning of this investigation, are with the family of Wayne and I thank them for their support throughout this process.”