Overview
- Robert Gaskell was bitten in the face and arm on May 21 while working in Fitzpatrick’s kitchen and was taken to Aintree Hospital.
- Fitzpatrick admitted owning a dangerously out-of-control dog causing injury and was fined £120 plus £300 compensation, £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.
- Magistrates issued a destruction order for Capone after weighing public safety, expert advice on muzzling or caging, and the owner’s fitness, noting her prior suspended sentence.
- The victim reported 12 days off work, ongoing trauma and a lost £9,000 job, saying he now fears dogs and entering customers’ homes.
- The defence said Capone had no prior biting history, escaped from an upstairs room when a baby gate was left open, and that attempts were made to restrain him.