South Shields dog attack victim 'lucky to be alive' say police

A 38-year-old woman was left with life-changing injuries after a Japanese Akita mauled her neck in August 2017.

Scott Sehman, 32, of no fixed abode, has been sentenced to 16 months behind bars at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to being in charge of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control.

The horrifying incident unfolded at an address where Sehman was temporarily residing, when the victim woke up and found the dog’s jaws clamped around her neck.

She underwent emergency surgery to her throat, neck and head at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

PC Kate Dolan, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident for the victim who is lucky to still be alive.

"She was forced to spend more than six weeks in hospital, and the injuries she suffered were severe and long-lasting.

“I would like to thank her for the bravery and cooperation shown throughout this case, and sincerely hope that she goes on to make a full recovery.

“Dogs can be lovely pets, but in the wrong hands, they can be responsible for horrific injuries such as these.

"It is for those responsible for them to ensure they are kept under control – and appropriate action will be taken against anybody who fails to do so.”

The court was told the victim met Sehman at a pub and returned to the address with him, before falling asleep on the bed.

Sehman's mother owned the pet but had told him to keep any guests away from it.

However, when she woke up, a three-year-old Japanese Akita – which was tied to the bedpost – had bitten her neck, puncturing her windpipe.

Her injuries were so severe that she had to eat through a tube for six months.

The victim said: “I don’t blame the dog, I blame who was in charge of it - and I sincerely hope this ordeal helps to raise awareness of this issue and prevents anybody else from going through what I have.”