Parents jailed after dog viciously savaged toddler to death on farm | UK | News

A toddler was killed after he was attacked by a dog on a family farm, a court heard. Three-year-old Daniel Twigg’s parents were jailed yesterday at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court after being found guilty of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

Joanne Bedford, 37, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and disqualified from keeping a dog for 15 years. Mark Twigg, 43, received a custodial sentence of two years and eight months. He is also disqualified from keeping a dog for 15 years. The sentencing follows a trial earlier this year, during which both parents of Highview Walk, Blackley, were acquitted of manslaughter but convicted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Emergency services were called to Carr Farm on Tunshill Lane, Rochdale, at about 1.10pm on Sunday May 15, 2022, after Daniel was attacked by a dog, believed to be a Cane Corso named Sid.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics and trauma staff at Manchester Children’s Hospital, Daniel died from multiple head and neck injuries later that afternoon.

The dog was one of eleven kept on the property, which the family moved into two months earlier.

Daniel entered a dog pen unsupervised, where Sid and another dog were housed in poor conditions.

Specialist officers from GMP’s Tactical Aid Unit and Dog Unit responded to the scene, securing the area and safely removing the dogs. Sid, who was showing extreme agitation, was humanely destroyed at the scene by a firearms officer.

In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Kerr said: “No sentence in a case such as this can undo the damage done, nor assuage the grief of the bereaved. You have both lost your beloved son. 

“The wrongdoing that led to Daniel’s death must be punished, and it is my mournful duty to see it done.”

Detective Sergeant Mark Evans, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “This was a deeply tragic and traumatic incident that has left a permanent mark on everyone involved from Daniel’s family and neighbours to the officers and medical professionals who responded that day.

“Daniel was a bright, curious little boy who had grown up around dogs, but as a toddler, he couldn’t understand the risks they could pose. What happened to him was deeply tragic and I want to thank the teams who worked tirelessly to bring justice for Daniel.”

Dog Legislation Officer Stephen Greenough, from our Specialist Operations Unit, said: “The dogs in this case were unpredictable, powerful, and not properly trained or controlled — and the consequences were devastating.

“Dogs should never be left unattended with children, particularly those under sixteen. Daniel was exposed to a situation no child should ever face, and the outcome was heartbreaking.

“We urge all dog owners to take their responsibilities seriously. If a dog is dangerously out of control and causes injury, the law will hold you accountable. This case should serve as a stark warning of what can happen when those responsibilities are ignored.”

“If anyone has concerns about a dog posing a risk in the community, please report it to police. Early intervention can prevent tragedy.”

Daniel’s family have previously paid tribute to him, describing him as a “happy, kind and caring little boy who was loved by all who knew him.”

Reporting concerns about dangerous dogs, Greater Manchester Police added: “Anyone worried about a dog posing a risk in your area, please report it to police by calling 101. Information can also be shared using our ‘report’ tool or LiveChat function on our website: www.gmp.police.uk.

“It can also be reported through the independent charity Crimestoppers – anonymously – on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.”