A MAN who admitted losing control of a dangerous dog that bit a child has been fined more than £1,100.

Christopher Humphrey, 28, of Little Wakering Road, Great Wakering, owned the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, named Lilly, which was dangerously out of control in Great Wakering on August 13.

The dog went on to bite a young child, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Southend Magistrates’ Court made a control order against the dog.

The dog must now be kept muzzled and on a lead when in a public. The lead cannot exceed one metre in length.

The dog can only be walked in a public place on the ratio of one dog per one appropriate adult at any time.

The adult handling the dog must be capable of controlling it at all times and be aged over 18 years.

At home, the garden fence must be level with the ground, at least six feet high and strong enough to stop the animal escaping onto the public highway.

The order also states the dog is not to be left alone with any person under the age of 16 .

Breaking the order will lead to it being destroyed.

Humphrey admitted to being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog, contrary to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Magistrates ordered him to pay £800 compensation, a £340 fine, £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

Compensation will be paid in a £200 lump sum, followed by £200 per month from December 29.

The Dangerous Dogs Act bans certain breeds, such as Pitbull Terriers, but not Staffordshire Bull Terriers.