A RHAYADER woman was left “terrified” and suffered nasty puncture wounds after a dog escaped from its owner and bit her.

Gemma Rothery’s lurcher cross labrador, Alfie, bit Sheena Kidd in February 2023, with the mother-of-three admitting a charge of being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control at court this week.

The 39-year-old will return to Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court at the end of the month to be sentenced.

The incident happened near Rothery’s Maes Brenin home on February 12 last year, when she was out walking Alfie with her son.

Prosecutor Rachael Drew said Ms Kidd “screamed in pain” after Alfie bit her.

“The victim was walking to her mum’s house as it was getting dark,” said Ms Drew.

“She saw a young male, the defendant’s son, holding a dog on a long lead. As she got closer the son said ‘watch out’ in a playful tone and the dog ran towards her; he had no control over the dog.

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“Ms Kidd put her hand down instinctively as she had recently had knee surgery, and the dog grabbed hold of her right hand, which is when she screamed in pain. She was terrified it had caused damage. Her little finger was being bitten.

“The son attempted to get the dog off her but it was too strong and she could hear the dog’s deep angry growls.

“When the dog let go she managed to leave. She saw blood and holes in her hand.”

Ms Drew presented several photos in court which showed several puncture wounds on Ms Kidd’s hand.

In a victim impact statement read by Ms Drew, Ms Kidd said: “I am someone who has always loved dogs but I am now nervous of them.

“I have lived with anxiety and depression since I was 16, I deal with the everyday struggles but now I am also scared of leaving the house. And I have nightmares every night.”

Ms Drew said Rothery had no previous convictions.

Representing the defendant, Gareth Walters said: “She handed the dog over to her son while she was climbing over a fence.

“The victim impact statement was written two days after the event, so the victim did not have nightmares for a prolonged period.”

He said his client had a number of medical issues. “The dog has not been seized, it has been with the defendant since the incident,” added Mr Walters.

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“There have been no further incidents. There were no issues before or after.

“She had the dog off someone who rescued it from a farm where he was possibly mistreated. He is anxious in public which is why she takes precautions. This wasn’t a blatant disregard (for safety), it was an unfortunate circumstance.”

Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report but later adjourned sentencing until later this month. They said the adjournment was so the court could check whether a possible curfew for Rothery would be suitable.

Rothery will return to court for sentencing on January 31.