Dog attack horror as man jailed for over four years for vicious assault on six-year-old girl
Bernard Valentine, from Ackers Lane, Carrington, has been locked up for 49 months after a brutal dog attack left a six-year-old girl seriously injured in Trafford. The court has also slapped a lifetime ban on Valentine owning dogs and slapped a 10-year restraining order on him.
Frightening attack on young girl
The terrifying incident happened on Sunday, March 26, 2023, as the little girl was walking to a friend’s house. Valentine, who was living in a camper van nearby, had six dangerous dogs that suddenly launched an attack.
The youngster’s older sister bravely tried to protect her on the pavement but it wasn’t until their mother arrived that the dogs retreated. The child suffered deep wounds to her face, scalp, hand, abdomen, arms, legs, back, and shoulder, needing emergency surgery.
Criminal record reveals disturbing pattern
Valentine pleaded guilty to eight charges, including having a dangerously out-of-control dog and possession of Class B drugs. Police caught up with him on March 28, tracing his van to Fallowfield, south Manchester, and seized the dogs.
This wasn’t Valentine’s first offence. Back in December 2022, the same dogs attacked a man walking his Dalmatian on Ackers Lane. A passerby had to step in to stop the assault.
Police urge public vigilance
“We thank the victims for their brave support during the prosecution,” said Detective Constable Goodhand of Trafford CID. “While the trauma won’t simply disappear, today’s sentencing is a vital step toward justice and healing.”
“We urge anyone with information on dangerous animals to contact police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.”
