24 April 2023 , 12:03
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A man has appeared in court after his dog mauled his younger brother to death in a vicious attack.
Wayne Stevens died after being savaged by a dog belonging to Gary Stevens, at a home in Derby, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Police rushed to the home on reports the 51-year-old had been seriously injured but he passed away a short time later despite the best efforts of medics.
Officers were forced to shoot the dog dead and Wayne's older brother Gary, 53, of Derby, was arrested and charged with being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.
It emerged today in the wake of charges being levelled that the men involved were brothers, confirmed to the Mirror by Derbyshire Constabulary.
Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams
Police in Derby set up a cordon on Cameron Road after the dog attack (DerbyshireLive/BPM)Gary Stevens later appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court and was granted bail. He will next appear at Derby crown court on May 22.
The brothers' family have paid tribute to Wayne, following his sudden death.
His sister Julie described life after losing her brother as a "nightmare" and said she would always love him.
Posting on Facebook, she said: "Still can’t believe it, it feels like we’re in a nightmare can’t get my head round any of this RIP Wayne we will always love you brother".
In a previous post she said: "R.I.P to our dear brother Wayne aka trend I can’t believe it still in shock to hear the news you’ve really gone why can’t it just be a dream that we can wake up from we will love you always bro and you will forever be missed fly high in paradise until we meet again".
Gary Stevens, 53, was arrested and charged and appeared in court today (DerbyshireLive/BPM)Wayne's brother Scott added: "R.I.P big brother Wayne Stevens, words can't explain the pain fam.
"It was only four days since we had a beer love you so much I hope you meet dad in heaven and work your problems out because you're neighbours for eternity now so make peace."
Wayne’s nephew Cameron also paid tribute to him, writing: “Rest easy uncle Wayne luv u lots I didn’t know u well but ur ma family were Stevens blood n dats enough for me fly high”.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police previously said: "A man has been charged under the dangerous dog act following the death of another man at a house in Derby.
Wayne's family paid tribute to him after his sudden death"It follows an incident on Cameron Road in Derby just after 5.50am on Saturday, April 22."
Dog shot dead by police after mauling girl, 4, to death in horror attack
The force named Gary Stevens of Cameron Road, Derby, as having been remanded into custody ahead of today's magistrates court appearance.
The statement continued: "The 53-year-old has been charged with being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.
"Formal identification has taken place, and the victim has been named as 51-year-old Wayne Stevens.
"Wayne sadly died after suffering injuries from a dog attack. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this time."