Owner vows he will not pay up after dog attack

THE owner of a dog that bit a person collecting a parcel from his home told magistrates he 'won't pay compensation!

- By POPPY KENNEDY

Mark Portas admitted being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury following an incident in September last year with his Belgian Malinois, Buster.

The 47-year-old, who muttered 'absolute f***ing joke' as he walked into court, was originally charged with another similar offence following an alleged incident in Lazenby High Street in June 2024.

After pleading not guilty, the crown prosecution service offered no evidence for the charge the day before his trial and the case was discontinued.

On Tuesday this week, Teesside Crown Court heard how on September 2, the complainant attended Portas' home to collect a parcel that had been left there.

Anne Mitchell, prosecuting, said while he was at the front door the dog jumped over the parcel towards the claimant.