Mother of four escapes prison after dangerous dog killed tragic Dexter Neal, 3, who was savged on play date
A MUM whose dog killed a boy of three dodged jail yesterday.
Jade Dunne, 29, was in charge of American bulldog Ruby when it savaged Dexter Neal.
He died in hospital after the attack at Dunne’s home in Halstead, Essex, on August 19.
The judge said Dunne’s attempts to get the dog off by hitting it with a tea towel were “wholly inadequate”.
Dunne admitted having a dog which was dangerously out of control at Chelmsford crown court and got 12 months’ jail suspended for two years.
Dexter was bitten at Dunne's home in Halstead, Essex, in August 2016, having visited for a play date.
He was rushed to hospital but tragically died of his injuries.
Dexter's family paid tribute to him following his tragic death.
They said: “When Dexter was born our family became complete and we were happier than we could ever have imagined.
“Watching him grow into such a happy joyful child made every day a pleasure and we felt honoured to have him in our lives."
The youngster's family spoke of his love for, music, aeroplanes, football and spending time with his family - especially his big sister.
They added: “Our lives will never be the same without Dexter, he was the life and soul of our family. Our hearts have been broken and can never be fixed.
“We now have to learn to continue our lives without our cheeky little boy and remember the joy and happiness he brought us in the short time he was allowed to be with us.
“We love you baby boy always and forever.”
After the attack Essex Police confirmed the dog to be an American Bulldog - which is not currently on the British government's banned breeds list.
It was seized by police and placed in kennels. The dog, called Ruby, has since been destroyed.
After the attack Shirley Diver, the mayor of Halstead, said: "It's dreadful news, it really is. I've had dogs all my life and I don't think you can ever trust a dog 100 per cent with any child.
"It's so sad. I feel so sad for the family who are involved. Words can't express how it affects anybody. The whole town is in shock."
Halstead's MP James Cleverly said: "It's a small town with a very strong sense of community and this will be a massive shock. It will be a body blow to the town.
"There's a huge sense of civic pride and when news like this happens in your local area it's a real shock."
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