A MAN has been jailed after he was in charge of a dog which caused “dreadful” injuries to four people at a pub in Kinmel Bay.

Thomas Skillen, 29, of Marine Road, Abergele, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years’ imprisonment at Mold Crown Court today (March 1).

His stepfather, Ian Loftus, 59, of Argoed, Kinmel Bay, was also handed a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for a year-and-a-half, for his involvement in the incident.

They had both previously admitted a charge of being responsible for an out of control dog causing injury.

Skillen had also pleaded guilty to affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

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Prosecuting, Matthew Kerruish-Jones told the court that, on September 15, 2023, the defendants attended The Magpie and Stump pub at Palins Holiday Park with their dog.

The dog, a Rottweiler cross called Kilo, was seen jumping on tables in the outdoor seating area, which Skillen was asked to stop him from doing.

A short time later, the defendants left, but they then returned, shouting abuse at a staff member over a fence, before entering the beer garden.

Jared Roberts, a security officer, attempted to restrain Skillen but was assaulted by him, which led to the two “grappling” on the floor.

Mr Roberts was also bitten by Skillen, which continued for about 20 seconds and caused him “excruciating” pain.

Loftus, meanwhile, returned to the beer garden with the dog, who then bit another security staff member, Korena James.

Skillen then walked back to the entrance of the pub, where a dog was being held a by member of public while barking and jumping aggressively.

Mr Roberts said he felt “genuinely scared”, and had to attend Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan after this incident.

Closed circuit television footage played in court showed repeated shouts of “get the dog in the car”, as well as Loftus, appearing intoxicated, holding the dog and seeming to hit it.

The dog then bit Loftus before attacking Steven Moore to his right upper arm, leaving him with 11 bite mark injuries, one of which measured roughly three inches in length.

Mr Moore was left with permanent scarring on his forearm, had to take six weeks off work as a labourer, and also attended Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

Another person, Benjamin Rogers, was bitten at least three times, while a fourth victim, Kerri Churchill, was on holiday at the park with her children at the time.

Both sustained puncture wounds and bruising, while Ms Churchill was bitten the right side of her stomach, causing “instant pain”.

The defendants then entered their vehicle, while Skillen shouted threats to people, saying he would “be getting his friends down” and “put prices on their heads”.

Eventually, the defendants and the dog left the scene, and both were arrested at Loftus’ address the following day.

Since their arrests, the dog has been looked after in a kennel, incurring costs of roughly £2,300.

Defending Skillen, with 15 previous convictions for 22 offences, Sarah Yates admitted that he “completely lost control”, but said he is remorseful for his actions.

“While he didn’t start the violence, his behaviour after that was unlawful and extremely inappropriate,” she said.

Mitigating for Loftus, with six previous convictions for seven offences, Ms Yates stressed that he used “no unlawful violence” throughout the incident.

“Because he was assaulted, he lost control,” she said.

Sentencing, Judge Niclas Parry said that the dog has caused “ghastly” wounds and “absolutely appalling” injuries.

Judge Parry said: “This is, on the face of it, as dangerous a dog as you can get, and some of the injuries are just dreadful.”

Loftus was ordered to complete 30 days’ rehabilitation activity requirements, while both defendants will pay a statutory surcharge.

A further hearing will take place on April 15 regarding whether the dog will be put down.

Judge Parry told the defendants that they had shown an “utter disregard for people, including mothers and children, at a busy public place”.

He added: “There had been a polite request to keep a very large dog under control, and people were frightened. You could have left.”

Deanne McGinty, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This was a frightening incident for members of the public, including children, who were holidaying at the park and for the members of staff working at the public house.

"The victims have been left with permanent scars, a constant reminder of the incident.  

"We hope the sentences passed today will bring some comfort to them."