A shocking incident in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, has left a pizza delivery driver with severe injuries after being attacked by a dog named Bolo. The English Bull Terrier, owned by Derek Marshall, bit off a significant portion of Usman Ghani's ear during a delivery on March 22, 2023. This brutal attack was followed by another incident three months later, where the same dog attacked a woman, Angela Thomson, causing her multiple injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Usman Ghani was attacked by Bolo, resulting in the loss of part of his ear.
- Angela Thomson was also attacked by the same dog, suffering severe injuries.
- Derek Marshall pled guilty to owning a dangerously out-of-control dog.
The Attack on Usman Ghani
On March 22, 2023, Usman Ghani was delivering pizza when he entered the shared garden of Derek Marshall. Bolo approached him aggressively, leading to a terrifying encounter. Despite holding a bag of food, Mr. Ghani was unable to deter the dog.
- Initial Attack: Bolo jumped and bit Mr. Ghani on his left forearm, causing him to fall.
- Severe Injury: The dog then bit off a significant portion of Mr. Ghani's right ear, resulting in profuse bleeding.
- Medical Treatment: He was taken to the hospital, where he received plastic surgery, stitches, and antibiotics for his injuries.
Sheriff Joan Kerr noted that the injury did not resemble a normal ear, highlighting the severity of the attack.
The Subsequent Attack on Angela Thomson
On June 22, 2023, Angela Thomson approached Marshall's home to borrow a cigarette lighter. Unfortunately, she became the next victim of Bolo.
- Initial Contact: As she approached, Bolo jumped at her, biting her left hand when she tried to protect herself.
- Continued Assault: The dog then caught her right leg, causing her to fall, and continued to attack, inflicting severe injuries to her thigh and groin area.
- Injuries Sustained: Miss Thomson suffered multiple puncture wounds, including a fragment of Bolo's tooth embedded in her leg, requiring three reconstructive surgeries.
Legal Consequences for Derek Marshall
Derek Marshall, 55, pled guilty to charges of owning a dangerously out-of-control dog. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that both victims had suffered significant injuries due to Bolo's attacks.
- Court Remarks: Prosecutor Ross Canning detailed the horrific nature of the attacks, emphasizing the danger posed by Bolo.
- Defense Statement: Marshall's defense attorney expressed that he was upset in court, stating that Bolo was "all he has in his life."
- Pending Sentencing: Sheriff Kerr deferred sentencing pending background reports, allowing Marshall to remain on bail for the time being.
Community Reaction
The incidents have sparked outrage within the local community, raising concerns about dog ownership and public safety. Many residents are calling for stricter regulations regarding dangerous dogs to prevent such attacks in the future.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains vigilant, hoping for justice for the victims and a resolution that ensures public safety.
Sources
- Dangerous dog bit off Scots pizza delivery driver's ear in sickening attack, Yahoo News UK.
- Vicious dog bit off pizza delivery driver's ear before leaving tooth in woman's leg - Mirror Online, The Mirror.
- Dog bit off pizza delivery driver's ear and left a tooth embedded in another victim's leg bone - Scottish Daily Express, Scottish Daily Express.
- Dangerous dog bit off Scots pizza delivery driver's ear in sickening attack, MSN.
- Vicious Rutherglen dog dragged pizza delivery driver to the ground and bit off his ear - Glasgow Live, Glasgow Live.
