A dog who repeatedly bit a man’s groin in an attack is so dangerous he must be put down, a court has ruled. 

Patchy, a seven-year-old German Shepherd-Mastiff crossbreed, savaged a neighbour of its owner at Walpole Gardens in Norwich on March 17.

David Richardson, 52, of Globe Place, Norwich, pleaded guilty to being in charge of the dangerously out of control dog.  

Patchy has an ‘aggressive temperament’ that poses a risk to public, magistrates were toldPatchy has an ‘aggressive temperament’ that poses a risk to public, magistrates were told (Image: Facebook)

Holly Postle, prosecuting at Norwich Magistrates’ Court, said the dog belonged to his daughter Megan Howes Richardson but he had been looking after it while she was in hospital. 

But after escaping it repeatedly bit Mark Moore causing puncture marks to his groin area and lacerations that led to bleeding for five or six days afterwards.

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In a statement read in court, Mr Moore said: “I’ve been around dogs my whole life and I’ve never had a problem but this dog has made me feel very wary of them now.”

A police assessment found the dog was a “danger to the public” due to his “aggressive temperament”  the court was told.

Megan Howes Richardson made an emotional plea for Patchy to be savedMegan Howes Richardson made an emotional plea for Patchy to be saved (Image: Facebook)

Ms Howes Richardson had previously been “strongly advised” it should be muzzled in public. 

In a tearful plea to the court she said had got Patchy as a four-month-old puppy and that he had never attacked anyone before.  

“He is usually muzzled but he just slipped out accidentally. He is a lovely family dog normally,” she said. 

Magistrates approved the destruction order saying it had “not been an easy decision”.

READ MORE: Norfolk Constabulary spent £100k kennelling 17 XL bullies

David Richard was looking after the dog for his daughter at the time of the attackDavid Richard was looking after the dog for his daughter at the time of the attack (Image: Newsquest)

Richardson was sentenced to a 12 month community order that requires him to do 300 hours unpaid work and five rehabilitation days.

He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to Mr Moore and £500 towards the £6,250 cost of kennelling the dog since it was seized on April 11.

Norfolk Constabulary recently said the £100,000 cost of looking after XL Bully dogs seized as part of new legislation had put extra pressures on its budget.