A WITHAM man whose off lead XL Bully attacked and killed another dog has been given a suspended jail sentence by the courts.

Teric Aroriode-Francis, of Chestnut Walk, Witham, appeared at Stevenage Magistrates Court last Wednesday to admit one count of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury.

Separate counts of making off without paying for £286.91 of petrol and driving a BMW without insurance were also levelled at Aroriode-Francis, who admitted both charges.

The dog attack unfolded at just before 5.50pm on Saturday, December 2 when Aroriode-Francis’s XL Bully charged towards a dog in Cheshunt High Street, Hertfordshire.

Emergency services were called, but Aroriode-Francis, 27, left the scene before the police could arrive.

The victim of the dog attack later died from its injuries.

Magistrates ordered Aroriode-Francis to pay compensation to the dog owner and cover kennelling costs; he was also given a six-month jail term, suspended for 18 months.

The XL Bully was also ordered to be put down.

As of December 31, 2023, the Dangerous Dog Act ruled that it is now illegal to sell, breed, or give away an XL Bully dog.

Owners have until the end of this month to exempt  their dogs which they suspect of being an XL Bully or ensuring they are humanely euthanised.