TWO police officers were forced to barricade themselves in a bathroom after a Powys woman’s dog attacked them when they had gone to check on her.

Both of the Dyfed-Powys Police officers were bitten by Stephanie Louise Cheeseman’s Staffordshire bull terrier Charlie and required hospital treatment – with one officer’s clothing “shredded” by the dog.

Magistrates sitting in Llandrindod Wells this week ordered that the dog be put down – but only if Cheeseman fails to follow strict conditions.

A tearful Cheeseman, 48, described Charlie as “my little angel” at Llandrindod Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 13, and said the incident had escalated because she was fearful an ex-partner who was jailed for attacking her with a hammer would return.

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Cheeseman, of Heol Twrch, Lower Cwmtwrch, near Ystradgynlais, was appearing after a prosecution was brought against her by the police force.

It happened at a neighbour’s home on April 10 this year, with Cheeseman charged with being the owner of a dog which was dangerous and not kept under proper control. Dyfed-Powys Police applied for an order that the dog must be kept under proper control or destroyed.

Nia Jones, representing the force, said: “Police were called to check on the welfare of the defendant.

“She was at a neighbour’s home. She was quite upset and distressed, and was in a quite volatile and paranoid state.

“The dog was with her, a Staffordshire bull terrier, called Charlie. It was running free and escaping and her behaviour escalated the situation, quickly.

“The dog started attempting to bite the officers, she (Cheeseman) was out of control and he reacted. He was jumping in the air and biting the officers. One PC was bitten on the arm while PC Owen was bitten on the thigh and left arm. His clothes were shredded.

“The officers barricaded themselves in a bathroom to avoid further attack. And more officers were called. The incident was captured on their body-worn cameras."

PC Owen needed antibiotics for puncture wounds.

“The dog warden has approved a contingent destruction order. He feels the dog is ordinarily good natured and well-behaved.”

Ms Jones said the defendant has been very cooperative since the incident.

“I suffered domestic violence from my ex who went to prison for it,” said Cheesman, representing herself.

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“He came out and had been seen outside my property. The situation escalated on this night as I heard someone outside.

“He’s (Charlie) my little angel. I don’t dismiss the incident and I’m ever so sorry. It’s been turmoil.”

Magistrates approved the order ruling Charlie will not be put down as long as Cheeseman complies.

Charlie must be fitted with a muzzle when he is in public or in a vehicle, at home when visitors are present, or in a private dwelling when anyone else is present.

He must also be securely held on a lead at all times when in public and be securely contained in her garden via a pen/run. Fencing must be present to prevent him from escaping.

Cheeseman must pay costs of £226.