'It's sick to say I set dog on PC'

A MAN accused of setting a fighting dog on a police officer told a jury it was "sick" that anyone would think he would deliberately do that and watch a woman being ripped apart.

Kevin Sheppard is accused of letting an illegal pit bull terrier attack PC Gemma Pinkard, who had lacerations and deep puncture wounds on her thigh and calf muscles.

The 48-year-old of Derwent Road, Speedwell, denies causing her grievous bodily harm with intent on November 24 last year.

At Bristol Crown Court yesterday Sheppard told the jury he had prised the dog off both the first officer it had attacked and PC Pinkard when she had forced herself into his lounge.

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"I was knocked over by the force of the dog hitting her," he said.

"She was screaming and moving about trying to get away from the dog. It was a terrible scream.

"The next thing another police officer had me in a choke hold but I said I was trying to get the dog off and they let go straight away."

Sheppard said he and PC Pinkard were hauled around the room by the dog before he managed to prise the animal's jaw open.

He said suggestions that he opened the door deliberately so the dog could attack her was "total rubbish" and replied "no way" to accusations he just watched the attack happen and told PC Pinkard 'Yeah, that told you' as she was being savaged.

He added: "I was in total disbelief at what had just happened.

"I was devastated that people had been injured like that in my house.

"I had never seen the dog behave like that, I was gobsmacked."

Asked again if it was deliberate he said: "I think it's sick to think that I would do something like that.

"It was bad enough seeing a man get bitten. To sit and watch a woman get torn apart like that – well I just wouldn't do it – it's disgusting."

The case continues.