Owner of banned dog that mauled a sleeping 11-month-old baby to death jailed

Lee Wright's pit bull terrier killed Ana-Jayne Corless in February 2014

Ava-Jayne Corless was killed by the dog as she slept

A dog owner whose banned pit bull terrier mauled an 11-month-old baby to death has been jailed for 18 weeks.

Lee Wright, 27, was found guilty of possessing a dangerous dog after a two day trial at Blackburn Magistrates' Court.

Wright pleaded not guilty to having in his possession or custody a fighting dog which killed Ava-Jayne Corless in February last year as he and the baby's mother slept.

Lee Wright was found guilty and jailed for 18 weeks (PA)

He is banned from keeping any dog for five years.

Passing sentence, District Judge Gerald Chalk said: "It is my intention to send you to prison today. I found you guilty, I accept culpability is not the highest because you did not know the dog was a pit bull type.

"You allowed a dog of nine stone in weight to have contact with a young child asleep in your bed. You were aware that dog had access. That dog killed that child in an offence of the gravest harm imaginable.

"Only a custodial sentence can be justified. You clearly felt the tragedy and have shown some remorse."

He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison. He is also banned from keeping a dog for a period of five years.

District Judge Chalk added: "I ask you to think very carefully in the next five years to think whether you are in a fit state to keep a dog."

He must also pay a statutory victim surcharge.

Speaking after the case a Lancashire Constabulary police spokesman said: "This was an absolutely horrific incident in which a baby girl lost her life and first and foremost our thoughts remain with Ava-Jayne's family. Her death was tragic and wholly avoidable were it not for Lee Wright having in his possession an animal which was clearly capable of causing serious injury."

Press Association