Liverpool woman trained dog to attack police
A LIVERPOOL woman trained her dog to attack young children and police officers in a neighbourhood she terrorised.
Kelly Jones, who used her Labrador and Staffordshire bull terrier cross “as a weapon”, was branded a menace by police and housing bosses today.
The 32-year-old was handed a two-year anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) to stop her causing more misery around Aigburth.
The ECHO learned how Jones:
Taught 3ft-high Zeko to attack police and anyone wearing fluorescent clothing;
Launched foul-mouthed tirades against people who politely asked her to put the animal on a leash;
Told a wary police officer the dog was only snarling at him because of his “****ing uniform”;
Once targeted a mum collecting her three children, all under 10, from school and let Zeko run out of control, scaring the woman so much she picked up one of the youngsters and fled as the dog chased them down the road.
Jones’ loutish behaviour was notorious around the Beechwood Road estate where she lived.
For four years, she was regularly seen staggering in the street drunk or high on drugs as the dog ran dangerously free.
The animal was twice seized by Merseyside police, but checks ruled it is not one of four banned breeds.
Parents whose children attend nearby St Austin’s primary school told the Liverpool Mutual Homes enforcement team they were fearful picking them up at home time.
Jones would often fight with her friends outside and in February was seen lying on the pavement in Cressington Road with a beer can in her hand, so drunk she could not stand.
Yesterday, Jones was made subject of a series of prohibitions ruling what she can and cannot do on the estate.
She was banned taking Zeko off the lead in an area that includes Garston, Grassendale and Mossley Hill.
If Jones is caught breaking any conditions of the order, she could be jailed for up to five years.
The Asbo was secured after a number of residents finally agreed to give evidence against her.
Claire Hogan, LMH safer estates officer, praised the courage of Jones’ neighbours to come forward and support the Asbo.
The housing association now hopes to use the civil action to launch tenancy enforcement action against Jones.
Acting Sergeant Andrew McNamee, of Merseyside police, said: “There were two incidents where community support officers came across the dog when it was particularly aggressive.
“It has the look of a pitbull terrier, but it is not a banned breed.
“When aggressive, it can be a frightening prospect.”
At court yesterday, a stoney-faced Jones was told: “This is a serious order with serious consequences.”
LMH chief executive Steve Coffey said: “We were appalled at the severity of Jones’ anti-social behaviour.
“I would like to reassure our tenants and communities across Liverpool we are committed to stopping anti-social behaviour.”
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