A DOG which attacked a man was put down before a judge made a decision on the case.

Duke, a three-year-old Alsatian, may have faced destruction following the incident last April.

The animal escaped from the home of Stephen Meadway and Meadway was found guilty of having a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury.

The conviction meant the defendant may have been ordered to have Duke put down but sentence was adjourned after his counsel Philip Holden urged the animal be seen by a "dog psychologist" to assess if he was a danger.

Burnley Crown Court was told yesterday that Meadway had already had Duke put down.

Judge Barbara Watson said he had taken a sensible but very difficult decision. Meadway, 44, of Moorview Close, Burnley, was fined £200 and ordered pay £200 compensation to victim Peter Anforth and £200 costs.

He had denied the allegation and said Duke had got out of the house when he was being looked after by his girlfriend.

After the last hearing Meadway told how Duke had played with his grandchildren without any problems and he said he would be "gutted" if he had to have the animal destroyed.