Gary Stevens: Man, 55, arrested after admitting being responsible for 50kg dog that killed his brother in Derby

A man has been jailed for four-and-a-half years after admitting being responsible for a dangerously out-of-control dog that killed his younger brother.

Gary Stevens, 55, pleaded guilty to one charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act after his brother Wayne Stevens, 51, was attacked at a house in Cameron Road, Derby, in the early hours of April 22, 2023.

Stevens knew the 50kg (112lb) dog was aggressive and would “normally attack the face and neck” before attacking, Derby Crown Court was told.

The cane corso cross was eventually shot dead at the scene after an hour by police after a drunk Stevens abused emergency workers.

During Friday’s sentencing, Stevens sat with his head bowed in the dock as prosecutors described how his brother was found dead in his home.

Judge Shaun Smith KC was told Stevens wrongly told an emergency operator the Cane Cross was a poodle before police and paramedics were confronted by the “incredibly heavy” dog.

Stevens abused emergency crews before the “frenzied” animal was repeatedly electrocuted and eventually shot.

The judge told the father-of-three: “Paramedics and police attended the scene and you arrived at the front door clearly very drunk.

“You were obstructive while your exchanges with police officers continued.

“The officers tried to persuade him to control the dog – his response was to taunt them for walking away.”

The judge added: “I am entirely satisfied that you were clearly aware of the dangers this dog posed before that fateful night.

“There was a lack or loss of control of the dog due to the influence of alcohol.”

Stevens tried and failed to save his younger brother.

The court was told they had been drinking vodka together before the incident and that Mr Stevens died at the bottom of a staircase, suffering what the judge described as “multiple, massive and horrific” injuries.

Along with the prison sentence, Stevens was banned from owning a dog for the rest of his life.

The court was told the cane corso cross was a “mix with some kind of bull terrier” that was not an XL bully, and was given to Stevens by a mother of five who had “a lot going on” to look after. this.

Tony Stanford, on behalf of Stevens, previously told the court it was “an extremely upsetting incident for (Stevens) to witness and be a part of”.

“He tried to get the dog off his brother, to save him,” he said.