Media mogul’s ‘out of control’ dog mauled two men on ‘Billionaire’s Row’
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A billionaire media mogul has been fined £10,000 after his German Shepherd attacked two people on a North London road aptly nicknamed ‘Billionaires Row’.
Richard Desmond, who owned Express Newspapers and OK magazine, pleaded guilty at Willesden Magistrates Court to two offences under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act after it was said the the animal, called Summer, was “dangerously out of control” on March 30 this year.
Carl Allen and Mark Webber were the victims of Summer, who left them with puncture wounds to the legs after they came to the area, in East Finchley, to work.
READ MORE: Terrifying moment dog drags man into busy road – before driver tries running it over
Prosecutor Martin Edwards read a statement to the court from Mr Allen which said: “The dog chased me and I called the police. It has bitten me through my work trousers.”
Mr Allen, via Mr Edwards, said he was afraid to go back to the area and at the time of the incident asked the media mogul: “Can you keep your dog under control he bit me.” The court heard Desmond replied denying the claim, “No he didn’t.”
A statement from Mr Webber, a tree surgeon, said: “The dog lunged at me I got a puncture wound to my leg.”
A court heard the attack was random in nature, however Mr Desmond’s defence counsel Philip Evans KC said the dog had been “startled” before the attacks. He added that his client had accepted “full responsibility” over his dog’s actions.
Magistrate Mark Jabbitt addressing Mr Desmond said: “I accept you are a prominent businessman and philanthropist but you are responsible for your dog. There was a lapse in judgement. You have exercised responsible leadership since then.”
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He added: “It does merit a fine. For each of the offences there will be a fine of £5000.”
Before the fine was issued Mr Desmond’s defence admitted he was “a man of some means.”
As well as a fine the court ordered that the dog must remain muzzled in public places. Mr Desmond was also ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation to each victim. In addition he is required to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
Desmond is famous for being the nation's first "porn baron" rolling out magazines in the 80s like Asian Babes, Forty Plus, and Posh Housewives before selling the titles for £20 million in 2004.
In 1982, Desmond bought the UK license for the x-rated US TV channel Penthouse and ran it for nine years.
Private Eye magazine dubbed Desmonds "Dirty Des."
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