A MUM has admitted owning a dangerously out of control dog which attacked and killed a three-year-old boy. 

Jade Dunne owned American Bulldog, Ruby, which bit Dexter Neal at her home in August last year.

Dexter had been at Dunne's home on a play date.

The 29-year-old appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court this morning. 

Angela Hughes, prosecuting, said the white American Bulldog had bit Dexter on the back of the neck and was usually kept away from the tragic youngster because he was scared of it.

He was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge but went into cardiac arrest several times during the flight and later died from his injuries despite the best efforts of medical staff.

The court also heard Ruby had previously bitten other dogs and has since been destroyed.

Dunne, formerly of Parker Way, in Halstead but now of St Mary’s Road, Colchester, was charged by the Crown Prosecution Service in February.

Halstead Gazette:

Dunne, who appeared in court wearing a peach jacket and white top, will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on May 16.

She was granted conditional bail and told not to go to Ronald Road, Halstead, and not to contact prosecution witnesses.

Chairman of the bench Michael Ferrier said: “This offence needs greater punishment than we can give.”

In a statement issued shortly after his death, Dexter’s family 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.

“Dexter made everyone smile with his beautiful face and cheeky grin. He was always polite and kind to everybody and all who met him fell in love with him.

“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.”