A pensioner has been fined after a dog she owns jointly with her son attacked two people in nine days.

District Judge Kevin Grego also ruled that the dog involved – a Labrador Doberman cross called Pharoah – should be destroyed because of its unpredictable and dangerous nature.

Williamina Irving, 69, of Borland Avenue, Botcherby, admitted being in charge of the dog when it was dangerously out of control and bit a stranger on July 12 last year.

The court was shown video footage in which the pensioner can be seen holding the dog's lead as her son used a cash machine outside Barclays Bank, in Montgomery Way, Carlisle.

As the defendant's son Grant Irving used the cash machine, his mother held Pharoah's lead.

Victim Terry Fuller approached the bank, and without warning, and without any provocation, Pharoah suddenly lunged at her, biting her in the stomach.

John Moran, prosecuting, said the defendant and her son gave the impression they had not realised the dog had bitten the woman, but then the pensioner seemed to acknowledge the attack.

"She didn't seem fazed by it at all,” said the victim.

The defendant said something along the lines of: “Well, I've been bitten before,” before turning her attention back to the cash machine.

After watching video footage of the attack, District Judge Grego remarked that Grant Irving appeared unbothered by what had happened.

In her victim impact statement, Ms Fuller said she was an animal lover but the attack had left her fearful and apprehensive of dogs.

The injury to her stomach, which had needed hospital treatment, would probably leave a scar that would be permanent.

Mr Moran then went on to outline how the dog had bitten somebody else nine days previously, when it attacked a woman at 1am on July 3 as she was on her way to collect her partner for a night out.

The victim on that occasion, Gillian McCulloch, was bitten on the leg.

The dog had also bitten people inside Irving's home, added the prosecutor.

Representing herself in court, Williamina Irving said she had not realised there was anybody approaching the bank.

“I want to ask for mercy,” she said, adding: “We now have Pharoah on an eight inch lead.”

Ruling that the dog should be destroyed, the district judge said it was clear the dog's primary owner was the defendant's son.

But the judge added: “This is a dog with a history of acting in this way: it is unpredictable in circumstances where it is likely to cause injury to other dogs or people.”

He added that on July 12 it had caused a serious injury.

The judge fined the defendant £100 and a £30 victim surcharge. He also ordered Irving to pay Pharaoh's victim compensation of £400.

The dog must be surrendered to the police to be destroyed within two weeks.