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The son of an elderly man whose Jack Russell mauled was to death in Charlton has explained how the family felt they had “no closure” as they were not informed of the ongoing court case.

John Lawrence Kane, 83, was walking his dog Daisy at the Cherry Orchard Estate when a large Staffie escaped its lead and ran at them.

Daisy suffered a bite which killed her while John was left with a severe hand injury which was deep enough to expose his bone.

Charlie Perry, 33, was the owner of the dog – a large brown Staffordshire Bull Terrier mixed with a boxer breed – which carried out the attack on the morning of Saturday, July 13.

She appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court, on Thursday (October 3) and pleaded guilty to charges of being the owner of a dog which was dangerously out of control and caused injury.

Sean Kane, John’s son, explained the family were not made of aware of any progress with the case up until the News Shopper contacted them about the guilty verdict.

Whilst he is pleased that progress has been made with the criminal case, he felt frustrated that the family had been left in the dark.

He added: “It’s been terrible these past few months. We’ve had no closure. The police didn’t inform us, and no one let my dad know about the court outcome.

“In terms of the police, I don't think they've been very focused on this. It's been going on for quite a long time now, and I imagine they're working on other things, but it has not felt like a priority for them.

“My dad is doing a little better and his sister has flown over from America to see him because of how bad the situation has been.

“We’ve had some lovely support from people in the community and people have been stopping my dad in the street to chat with him – but there are still people who won’t even take their dogs out because of the fear.”

John's injured hand following the attack John's injured hand following the attack (Image: Sean Kane)

Prosecutor Edward Kalber explained that the incident took place at 10.15am when Perry’s dog escaped its lead and ran across the road at John and Daisy.

Sean Kane, John's son, previously told the News Shopper: “When this happened, my dad literally had to bring the dog home by himself.

"Daisy was obviously dead in his arms, and he had a serious hand injury and he had to walk about 400 yards back to the house.

“When my sister opened the door and they saw what had happened, my mum, who is unwell and on oxygen, almost ended up back in the hospital again.

“I've never seen my dad cry like that. My dad's a pretty tough character. He witnessed it and couldn't do anything about it. He couldn't get this dog off.”

Daisy the Jack Russell died as a result of the attack.

John’s son, Sean, recently added: “I was just so angry. You just think, how can something like that happen?

“Your mum and dad’s pet goes for a walk, and then... it’s just awful. When you have animals, they become your life.

“My dad is an old army guy. He doesn’t get phased by anything too quickly.

“That dog was his baby. We’ve always had dogs. I’ve grown up with them all my life.”

The court heard that Perry, of Shirley House Drive in Charlton, has two previous convictions including one for a serious assault in 2020.

Her dog has been in kennels since it was seized at the cost of £1,600, the court heard.

Perry cried in the dock as prosecutor Mr Kalber said: “We are seeking a full destruction order for this dog.”

In mitigation, the court heard that Perry did everything she could to stop the attack, including trying to separate the dogs and put her hands in her dogs' mouth.

The case was adjourned until November for sentencing, at which time the court will also decide whether the dog should be destroyed.

Sean said: “Even for the one that may be put down, it’s not the dog’s fault.”

The Metropolitan Police has been commented for further comment.