A ROTTWEILER Doberman cross that bit a woman on the bottom has escaped being destroyed.

Swindon magistrates ordered the owner May-Britt Patterson to ensure that Rocky wears a lead and muzzle whenever it is out following the attack.

But they decided not to have the dog destroyed.

The court heard yesterday how 10-year-old Rocky had bitten a passer-by when Mrs Patterson, 34, was taking him for a walk in Stokesay Drive, Toothill.

The victim Paula Fenton was walking in the opposite direction when the hound made a lunge for her.

She was left with a puncture wound to the buttock and ripped trousers.

But David Gosling, defending, said that the dog suffered cataracts and was easily startled.

He added that the animal had a troubled past and had only been with it's owner for a few weeks before the incident.

Mr Gosling said: "The dog came from a drunk family. She Mrs Petterson was told 'If you don't take her she'll be put down.

"She inherited the dog and thought it was better it was given a good home.

"She knew it had not been treated well and the dog has proved to be a model family pet.

"She has no fears at all of it being with her children. The dog was perhaps over protective."

Mrs Petterson, of Oakham Close, Toothill, who has five children aged between three and 17, pleaded guilty to having a dangerous dog.

Mrs Petterson was ordered to pay £50 compensation to Paula Fenton and £35 in court costs in the next 28 days as well as being given the order to control the dog with a muzzle and lead.

Chairwoman of the bench, Susan Wolfe-Barry, told her: "It is very important that when out of the house it wears a muzzle and lead."

Afterwards Mrs Petterson said she was relieved she was not going to lose her pet.

She said: "The kids love him and they would have been devastated to lose him.

"I was really worried the court would order him to be put down and I'm just relieved they haven't.

"I know the kids will be happy when I tell them."

Gareth Bethell