A woman has been fined and ordered to pay compensation after her dog injured a child.

Susan Reader, of Milner Place, Billericay, appeared at Basildon Magistrates Court on September 25.

The 48-year-old was charged with one count of being in charge of a dog when it was dangerously out of control at her house.

The Yorkshire Terrier, named Buddy, injured a child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, on March 16 this year.

Reader admitted the charge and was handed a conditional discharge.

She must also pay compensation of £50, £20 to victim services and court costs of £85.

The bench did not order the destruction of the dog because since the incident happened in March there has been no other incident to suggest Buddy would constitute a danger to the public.

The bench also stated: "We do not order a disqualification from owning or keeping dogs as it is not said that the defendant is not a fit and proper person and such order is not being requested."