Man jailed for more than eight years after commanding his dog to attack police officers in Blyth

Sean Bell, of Banbury Road in Kenton, ordered the animal to “get them” after officers turned up to the report of a domestic incident in January 2022 at an address in Blyth.

As well as ordering the dog to attack, the 37-year-old also threw punches at an officer who tried to place him in handcuffs.

The dog bit the male officer numerous times, while a female officer who had come to the aid of her colleague was also bitten and received puncture wounds on her leg.

When back-up arrived, Bell, who was still shouting abuse at the officers, was placed under arrest and the dog detained with help of members of the Force’s dog unit.

When Bell was transferred to Middle Engine Lane’s custody suite, he then went on to spit at a police officer.

The officers who sustained dog bites attended hospital and both were required to have tetanus shots - with the female officer also prescribed morphine for her injuries.

Northumbria Police has confirmed that she has lasting nerve damage as a result of the attack.

Bell was charged with numerous offences linked to the incident, all of which he denied.

A jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him guilty of two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog, two counts of section 18 assault with intention to avoid apprehension, and one count of common assault following a trial last November.

On Tuesday, April 4, he was given the lengthy prison sentence at the same court and was also banned from keeping pets for 18 years.

The judge also ordered that the dog involved in the assault was to be destroyed.

Chief Superintendent Sam Rennison, Northern Area Commander, has praised the officers involved in the incident and highlighted that Bell’s actions were unacceptable.

She said: “The officers, staff and volunteers who proudly pull on their Northumbria Police uniform every day, do so because they want to keep people safe and protect our communities.

“Each and every day we are faced with potentially dangerous situations but we don’t come to work to be assaulted – and it can’t ever simply become just a part of the job.

“Sean Bell’s behaviour was completely unacceptable. As a Force filled with animal lovers, it is also distressing to see a dog used in such a way to attack our officers.

“It is important that anyone responsible for such behaviour is brought to justice, and I hope this case sends a clear message that this conduct will not be tolerated.

“I would also like to commend the bravery of the officers involved who have both swiftly returned to work, continuing their commitment to serve our communities.

“It is important that any person who directs such behaviour at emergency service responders is brought to justice, and I welcome this sentence as it sends a clear message that this conduct will not be tolerated.

“I’d like to commend the bravery of the officers involved who have both swiftly returned to work, continuing their commitment to respond to the public and protect the vulnerable.”

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