Man pleads not guilty after two girls and man injured by suspected XL bully

26 February 2024 , 17:17

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Ajaz is alleged to have been the owner or person in charge of a dangerously out of control dog (Image: PA)

A man has denied being in charge of a suspected XL Bully that attacked an 11-year-old girl and two men in Birmingham last year.

The 61-year-old, Farhat Ajaz, is alleged to have been the owner or person in charge of a dangerous dog called Tyson on September 9 2023. He was granted conditional bail at the city's Magistrates' Court on Monday, and was ordered to appear before a Crown Court judge next month.

The man has pleaded not guilty to three counts of being in charge of the "dangerously out of control" dog which caused injury to a young girl who was bitten by the animal. After fleeing to a nearby supermarket for safety, the girl was rushed to hospital after suffering from shoulder and arm injuries, where she stayed the night. Her identity is protected by a court order.

In a statement to the Mirror at the time of the attack, West Midlands Police confirmed three people were injured in the attack, with a spokesman saying: "We’re investigating after three people were bitten by a dog in Birmingham. An 11-year-old girl ran past the dog as it was being walked by its owner in Bordesley Green, when she was bitten.

Farhat Ajaz, 61, outside Birmingham Magistrates' Court (PA)

“Two men intervened but were bitten and left with injuries to their shoulders and arms. They were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries. The dog was initially taken to a local vet to be checked over before being taken into secure kennels while the investigation continues. The owner of the dog has been spoken to by officers.”

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The suspected owner, who appeared in court beside the dock using a pair of crutches to support himself, was bailed until the next hearing, scheduled for March 25. Adjourning the case against Ajaz after the Crown opted not to seek a remand in custody, District Judge David Wain told Ajaz: "I am imposing a condition of residence that you reside at the address you have given to the court. Secondly, you are not to be in possession or in control of any dog."

Zesha Saleem