A MOTHER and her two sons have been banned from keeping dogs for life after their two canines savaged a member of the public in Leominster.

A witness to the attack on Teresa Stinton reported seeing “chunks of flesh fly in the air” after she was set upon by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross and an American Red Nose Pit Bull Cross.

The victim suffered 68 bite wounds and was in hospital for 12 days after the attack on May 31 last year.

The dogs’ owners, Andrew and Kenneth Stuchbery, along with their mother, Davina Stuchbery, all admitted charges under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

In sentencing them at Hereford Crown Court, Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins said it was “hard to think of a more serious attack by two dogs on a human being”.

American Pit Bull Bruno died during the attack while the other dog, Stella, was ordered by Judge Pearce- Higgins to be destroyed.

Prosecutor Paul Whitfield told the court Ms Stinton was attacked after calling at the Bridge Street home of Andrew Stuchbery, aged 22, and his mother, 51.

“She was bitten repeatedly on her legs and arms,” he said. “She says she thought she was going to die. It was relentless.”

Passer-by Olive Arnold tried to help but was also attacked before passing carpenter Robert Hirschmann used a chair to pin Bruno back.

“His [Mr Hirschmann’s] words were that the dogs were going berserk,” said Mr Whitfield.

“He said chunks of flesh were flying in the air. Other witnesses described the attack as frenzied.”

Ms Stinton returned from hospital “bandaged up like a Mummy” according to her written statement. Ms Arnold was also treated at hospital.

The sons admitted a charge each of owning a dog which was dangerously out of control, while their mother admitted being in charge of both dogs when the attack happened.

Raj Punia, for Kenneth Stuchbery, 27, from Gwynne Street, Hereford, said his dog was on a leash and tied to a pole when he left the house that day. He feels dreadful and is remorseful.

Speaking before sentencing, Anthony Muller said Andrew Stuchbery could not afford to pay the kennel costs or the sum needed to retrain Stella to the satisfaction of the police for the dog to return to his home.

Kate Rogers, for Davina Stuchbery, said her client is of good character and suffers ill health due to osteoarthritis.

Judge Pearce-Higgins praised the bravery of Mr Hirschmann and Ms Arnold.

Kenneth and Andrew Stuchbery received a 12 and nine month prison sentence respectively, suspended for two years, plus 250 hours unpaid community work.

Their mother was given a two-year conditional discharge