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Patricia Sharman given suspended sentence after her pit bull ripped off the finger of a former Dover mayor

A woman whose pit bull terrier ripped off the finger of a former Dover mayor has been given a suspended sentence.

The dog was so out of control, it maimed Labour councillor Pam Brivio as she posted a newsletter through Patricia Sharman's front door.

Sharman, 23, of Tower Hill, Dover, appeared at at Dover Magistrates' Court, where she pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog.

Pam Brivio's little finger was ripped off by a pit bull when posting a newsletter through a door
Pam Brivio's little finger was ripped off by a pit bull when posting a newsletter through a door

Cllr Brivio was posting the item through the letterbox on September 11 last year when the dog "threw itself" forward, biting off half her little finger and swallowing it.

The 71-year-old said there were no “beware of the dog” signs or anything to suggest the presence of a dog.

She spent the rest of the day between Buckland Hospital and Kent and Canterbury Hospital, getting X-rayed.

The next day she had to travel to East Grinstead, where the remaining part of her finger was stitched up.

Police carried out a warrant at the house afterwards, where the dog was seized and put down.

Labour candidate Pam Brivio.
Labour candidate Pam Brivio.

It was identified as a prohibited breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Magistrates sentenced Sharman to 60 days in prison, suspended for 12 months, and banned her from keeping or owning a dog for five years.

She must also pay £2,500 compensation.

Cllr Brivio said she was surprised that Sharman received a suspended sentence.

She wants people to understand the responsibilities of owning a dog and hopes the court decision will act as a warning to others.

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