The Foresters, near where the March 2 attack happened

by Keith Hunt

A vicious dog went wild in the street three times, causing serious injuries to three men, as the owner failed to control it, a court heard.

Neil Sookoo’s powerful American Bulldog Buster was tasered by police officers several times, but it had little effect.

The terror finally ended when a chain was wrapped around the dog’s jaws to prevent it biting anybody else.

Sookoo, 35, of Kirby Road, Dartford, was jailed for six months for three offences of having a dog dangerously out of control.

He was sentenced to a further 15 months for a catalogue of other crimes he admitted, including handling stolen goods, fraud, cultivating cannabis and possessing a Class A drug.

”i thought the dog would kill me. i was petrified...” – mr marchant

A judge said he had no hesitation in ordering that Buster be destroyed.

The first incident was on February 11 when the bulldog mauled a Labrador being walked in East Hill, Dartford.

Ann Phillips, prosecuting, said four days later Russell Marchant was walking along an alleyway in the same area when the animal, weighing about six stones, sprang at him and bit into his left upper arm.

Mrs Phillips said the dog bit Mr Marchant’s right thigh and went for his head.

He kicked out but the animal locked its teeth onto his arm and shook him. Mr Marchant eventually managed to get free.

Mr Marchant, who lived nearby, was taken to Darent Valley Hospital and treated for puncture wounds, deep scratches and multiple bruising.

He told police: “I thought the dog would kill me. I was petrified.”

The third incident was on March 1 in Little Queen Street, Dartford. Adrius Pocius was walking along when the dog grabbed his left wrist.

He tried to fight it off. Stewart McKenna was driving by and went to help.

Others arrived with chains and muzzles. Police officers used their Tasers on the dog, but to little effect.

Mr McKenna was chased by the animal. He jumped onto a wall but the dog bit his left foot. He tried to fight if off but was then bitten on his right thigh.

An officer tasered the dog again and the shock went into Mr McKenna’s muscles, causing him great pain. The dog’s jaws locked onto his leg.

The attack lasted for some time before the dog was brought under control.

Both Mr McKenna and Mr Pocius needed hospital treatment.