Drunk man paid £80 for 'fighting dog' that bit boy

A MAN paid £80 for a 'fighting dog' which bit a four-year-old boy the same day, a court heard.

- CARL JACKSON Court Reporter

Joel Bapaga was drunk and stumbling in the middle of the road when his newly-bought Cane Corso, which was not on a lead, ran after the boy and bit him multiple times.

It also scratched the lad's father when he tried to stop the attack, Birmingham Crown Court was told. Bapaga was arrested shortly afterwards.

Bapaga, 49, of Princip Street, Newtown, pleaded guilty to two charges of owning a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control.

Judge Andrew Smith adjourned sentencing until April 17.

The incident happened on the afternoon of July 13, 2023 when the four-year-old was playing with a ball in his front garden.

Annabel Hale, prosecuting, said: "The defendant walked past the house with a large black dog.