Banned dog that bit Uber Eats driver in face is returned to its owner

A BANNED dog that left an Uber Eats driver in hospital after biting him in the face has been allowed to return to its owner.

- THOMAS GEORGE

Gemma Louise Ward's pit bull terrier mauled the man as he delivered a McDonald's order to her home in Oldham in May of last year.

The pet, named Kyra, left the man with a bloodied face after pouncing on him and sinking its teeth into his jaw.

At Tameside magistrates court yesterday, Ward was told she could be reunited with the animal after a dog expert concluded it was not a danger to the public.

The 40-year-old walked free from court as she was handed a community order and ordered to pay £1,500 in compensation to the victim.

Gareth Hughes, prosecuting, told the court that the man pulled up outside Ward's home in Seventh Avenue, Limeside, to drop off the food order on the evening of May 3 of last year.

As he knocked on her door, Mr Hughes said the driver spotted a dog barking at the living room window. 

He was not initially concerned, but when Ward opened the door, he realised the animal was not contained and appeared 'agitated' as it was barking loudly and trying to get past Ward.

The driver was unsure what to do and, as he tried to pass the food to Ward, the dog managed to get around her and headed towards him.