Attack dogs to be destroyed

Tanya Hoskin: "Devastated" by incident

A judge has ordered the destruction of two Staffordshire bull terriers that attacked three people, leaving them scarred for life.

But the dog owner has walked free from court and been told she can continue to keep dogs.

Tanya Hoskin, 34, from Nelson Drive, Exmouth, admitted two charges of owning a dog that was dangerously out of control.

She denied two similar charges relating to another dog.

'Total disregard'

The jury at Exeter Crown Court took half an hour to find her guilty on both counts.

The Judge, Recorder Timothy Mousley, QC, told her she had shown "total disregard" for people's safety, but the fact the dogs were to be destroyed was punishment enough.

Sally Lowe, 50, was attacked by two of Hoskin's dogs after they escaped from their garden.

She thought she was going to die and was scarred for life after being bitten on her face and legs.

Two pensioners who tried to help were also attacked by the dogs on their face and hands. One, Jennifer Hawkins, had the top of a finger bitten off.

£600 compensation

The attack only ended when a workman beat one dog with a metal bar.

Simon Cooper, Hoskin's solicitor, said after the case: "Tanya is devastated by the incident and what happened.

"But she is going to make every effort to make sure this does not happen again."

The judge ordered that Hoskin pay Ms Lowe and Ms Hawkins £300 compensation each.

In addition to the compensation, Hoskin was conditionally discharged for two years.

The judge said: "I am aware this will not compensate them for their injuries and I hope they will not think the amount derisory or insulting - it is not meant to be."