A BULL terrier savaged and killed a neighbour's tiny dog after its music teacher owner let it off its lead on a walk.

Burnley magistrates heard it took five minutes to wrestle Bryn, a 9in tall terrier, out of the jaws of Marley, a 2ft tall Staffordshire bull terrier-Labrador cross, after the animal seized it by its middle.

Both owners, James Barclay and defendant Christopher Anthony Billington, ended up covered in blood.

Billington was injured as they fought to free Bryn in the attack, last October.

Bryn had to be put down immediately by a vet while Billington, who works part-time for Lancashire County Council, sold his dog the day after for £200.

The bull terrier, which had earlier been castrated to calm it down, had previously set on another dog, the court was told.

The bench told Billington the case had caused them a great deal of concern.

They would have ordered Marley's destruction straight away, but it was not known where the animal was.

The chairman told the defendant he had been "totally irresponsible," letting Marley off its lead when it had previously shown aggression and went on: "We have been wondering what would have happened if it had been a child."

Billington, 26, was given a two-year conditional discharge and told to pay £250 compensation and £80 costs.

The magistrates banned the defendant from having dogs for two years but he pleaded to be allowed to keep the two dogs he currently owned. He said: "I will do anything. They are like my kids." Billington's solicitor announced he would be appealing against the order at the Crown Court, which meant the animals would not have to be found new homes immediately.

The defendant, of Newby Close, Burnley, admitted having a dog dangerously out of control in a public place.

The court was told both men were walking their dogs at 8.30am on land between Manchester Road and Westbourne Avenue, Burnley, when Marley struck.

Billington told police he had tried to keep the bull terrier away from the little dog, but it would not stop.

Steven Banks, defending, said Marley was a rescue dog before it was owned by Billington, who had had lessons in dog handling and dog education.

The first incident involving Marley had happened shortly after Billington got the dog but the other animal was only slightly injured.

The defendant had had Marley castrated to reduce its aggression.

Billington and Mr Barclay were near neighbours and knew each other well.

The defendant suffered quite extensive injuries and needed three weeks off work after trying to get the two dogs apart.

He apologised to Mr Barclay immediately for what happened and the two men were now back on speaking terms.

Mr Banks said Billington sold Marley to somebody he did not know the day after the attack because he was upset.

That was probably not the best course of action and with hindsight he would concede that.

The solicitor said because Billington was facing having his two dogs, with whom he had a close relationship, taken away from him, he had financed a report from an animal expert.