AN EMOTIONAL plea from a dog owner has saved his Alsatian's life after it bit a police officer.

Lee John Wilson, 33, of the Gallows Hill travellers' site in Bere Regis, had previously pleaded not guilty to owning a dog that was dangerously out of control in a public place, but changed his plea to guilty before Weymouth magistrates.

Prosecuting, Jonathan Kingdon said: "The incident happened in Greenhill gardens in Weymouth. Police had attended after receiving reports of people drinking alcohol and dogs running around.

"They were met by an abusive group of people who had two dogs with them. The officers' immediate concern was that these people were drinking alcohol in a public place.

"PC Michael Green became involved in an arrest and was bitten repeatedly on the right leg by a large Alsatian.

"As a result PC Green received a small puncture wound in his right calf and grazing as well as bruising and a large bump. The injuries were such that the officer was prescribed anti-biotics for a suspected infection in his leg.

"The defendant was charged under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act."

In mitigation, Ian Graham said: "More than most Mr Wilson's dog is his companion. He has been severely depressed since his dog, Casper, was taken away and at the prospect of him being put down. He is desperately concerned.

"Casper is nearly eight years old and Mr Wilson has owned him since he was six weeks old and he has always maintained control in the past."

The court was told that magistrates could make an order to destroy the dog unless the defence could convince them not to.

Mr Graham suggested the magistrates make an order for the dog to be muzzled and on a lead as an alternative to the destruction order.

Wilson also addressed magistrates, saying: "I normally have Casper's lead attached to my belt but I had just come out of the sea.

"Casper was lying down when the officers grabbed someone almost right on top of him.

"He was startled and felt intimidated and reacted to it. He's never done anything like it before, he's a family dog with a really good nature.

"I promise I'll keep him muzzled or do whatever you want. I'm very sorry about what happened but it wasn't really his fault, it was the scuffle that upset him. I've apologised to PC Green and he's accepted my apology."

Wilson was ordered to keep his dog in a muzzle and on a lead at all times when in a public place. He was fined £25, ordered to pay £50 compensation to PC Green and £25 towards prosecution costs.

Chairman of the bench Adrian Downton said: "You must keep to these conditions for the life of your dog."