Fine after dog bites man's groin

The court heard the dog is no longer taken out

A man has been fined £250 after his friend's dog suddenly bit a passer-by in the groin in Aberdeen.

Michael Stuart, 52, was looking after the Alsatian when it went for the man in Hayton Road.

He needed eight stitches when he was treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, the city's sheriff court heard.

Stuart admitted being responsible for a dog which was out of control in a public place when it bit the victim to his severe injury.

The court heard that first offender Stuart had only been caring for the dog while his friend was in hospital.

'Owner's sister'

Fiscal depute Mhairi Morrison said of the victim: "The dog bit him in the groin. There was a two-and-a-half inch cut to his testicle."

Stuart's solicitor Tony Burgess said: "He had been out walking the dog. He had simply been standing with the dog when the victim briskly walked past. The dog took flight and bit him.

"The dog is now with the owner's sister and is never let out. She has had the dog since it was five weeks old."

Outside court, Stuart said: "I am sorry it happened. I know the lad had to go up to hospital. I saw him a couple of days later and apologised.

"I know it wasn't my dog but I was responsible for it at the time."