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Man pleads guilty after dog attack on little boy in Southend

3:31pm Monday 19th March 2012 in News By Melissa Hills

A DOG walker whose Rottweiler attacked a young boy as he was paddling in the sea in Southend has pleaded guilty to having a dog dangerously out of control.

Rowan Diedrick of Avenue Road, London, was walking two Rottweilers off of the lead along the beach on Friday, August 5, 2011 when one of them ran into the water, grabbed the seven-year-old across the chest and forced him under the water.

The boy's grandmother managed to pull the boy from the dog's jaws before Diedrick made off with both dogs.

The boy was left with several puncture wounds to his torso and arms and underwent three lots of surgery but has since made a good recovery.

Diedrick, a builder, was arrested after a member of the public identified him from a CCTV clip released by Essex Police.

He was arrested on Sunday, February 12, 2012 and charged with being in charge of a dog allowing it to be dangerously out of control in a public place and cause injury.

The 29-year-old pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court today (Monday, March 19).

Investigating officer Pc James Crabb said: "Rowan Diedrick allowed his dog to be dangerously out of control on a beach in the height of summer when there were lots of young children around.

"His irresponsible behaviour led to a young boy being trapped between the dog’s jaws and left with horrific injuries, both physical and emotional. It is almost impossible to imagine how anyone could watch a child being severely mauled before simply running away.

"The young boy was lucky not to have been even more seriously injured thanks to the intervention of his grandmother and I would like to praise them both for their bravery.

"If you are a dog owner please think carefully and responsibly about where you walk your dog and make sure it is under control at all times."

Diedrick will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Monday, April 23.

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