A PAIR of dogs called Ronnie and Reggie will not be destroyed after biting a man in Basildon.

The dogs, who are both a cross between a rottweiler and dogue de Bordeaux, escaped from a house in Whitmore Way, and attacked Christopher McGhee, who was delivering leaflets for his business.

The dog’s owner, Nicola Fitzgerald, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of owning a dog out of control in a public place.

Judge Ian Graham told her: “Ronnie and Reggie ran out and attacked him.

“He was sent to the ground and the dogs continued to attack him. They bit both his arms in the attack that lasted about 20 seconds.

“When you called them back, the dogs immediately went back into the house. Mr McGhee was left with serious dog bite injuries to both arms.

“This case has been going on for a very long time. It was a very unpleasant incident, but these dogs were not used as weapons.”

The court heard from a report by animal expert Dr Duncan Davidson, who did not believe putting the dogs down was necessary and a control order was more appropriate.

Judge Graham added Mrs Fitzgerald was a woman of good character and neither dog had ever attacked anyone before the incident, which took place on November 20 last year.

Mr McGhee, from Portsmouth, sought help from a neighbour and went to Basildon Hospital for treatment. The court heard he may take civil action.

Mrs Fitzgerald was fined £750 and was told the dogs would be destroyed if another attack occurred.

Judge Graham said the dogs must be kept securely in the house and garden at all times.

When in public the dogs must wear a muzzle and be kept on a two-metre lead.

Mrs Fitzgerald must also not take both dogs out at the same time on her own, without another adult present.

After the case, Mrs Fitzgerald said: “I am just glad it is all over. It has been a horrible experience.”