A Deptford man whose Staffy was put down because it attacked two people has been banned from keeping dogs after a court heard he had already got a new one.

Nathan Simmonds’ dog was taken from him after it bit someone’s hand at a Tesco store in June 2022. 

The dog was then returned to the 43-year-old under the terms of an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) in which he agreed to keep the dog muzzled in public. 

But Simmonds failed to do this and in September 2022 the same dog mauled a teenage girl outside his home on Robert Lowe Close. 

The dog was later destroyed but Simmonds then got a new dog – an Alsatian-Staffy cross. 

Judge Nicholas Heathcote Williams said: “That is a remarkably poor choice of a dog. A very powerful dog for you to choose given your history.” 

The judge ordered that the dog should be taken away from Simmonds, who he banned from keeping dogs for five years. 

News Shopper: Simmonds pictured leaving Woolwich Crown CourtSimmonds pictured leaving Woolwich Crown Court (Image: NQ)

'Screamed in pain'

Simmonds appeared Woolwich Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday (May 9) after he pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dangerously of control dog which caused injury. 

Prosecutor Jade Sodipo said the victim, a teenage girl, was leaving her house when Simmonds’ dog charged towards her without a lead or muzzle on. 

“It jumped on her and bit her on the right upper arm. She screamed in pain and said the dog then released her from its grip then tried to jump and bite her again,” Ms Sodipo said. 

Simmonds managed to get the dog out of control and later took flowers to the victim’s house to apologise. 

The teenage girl was taken to Kings College Hospital for treatment to her arm. 

Ms Sodipo said: “Now when she goes out she’s scared when she sees other big dogs walk towards her. She goes in the opposite direction and she’s worried about being bitten again.” 

After that dog was put down Simmonds got a new dog – a 10-month-old Alsatian-Staffy cross. 

The police officer working the case said the victim’s mum had been growled at by that dog. 

“The complainant is now scared of being bitten by the new dog,” Ms Sodipo said. 

Judge Heathcote Williams told Simmonds: “You are not a fit and proper person to have a dog, as your two convictions and your failure to keep the dog safe between the two incidents show. 

“I must say that is a remarkably poor choice of a dog. A very powerful dog for you to choose given your history.” 

He handed Simmonds a six month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and banned him from owning dogs for five years.