A MAN has been convicted of unlawful wounding after he allowed his dog to attack a man over a £7 debt.

Michael Arundel was cleared at Teesside Crown Court of the more serious charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm which he had denied.

He had already admitted being the owner of a dog which caused injury while being dangerously out of control in a public place.

Arundel, 34, of Thorndyke Avenue, Middlesbrough, was accused of deliberately instructing his pit bull dog, Rizla, to attack the bloodied victim on December 19 last year in the Beechwood area of the town.

The man, who owed Arundel £7, was left with multiple bite injuries to his left leg.

The jury in the trial took about an hour and 15 minutes to return its verdict.

Recorder Jamie Hill described it as a slightly unusual case, adding: “Mr Arundel has been in a bit of trouble in the past, but not for this sort of thing.”

The judge said he wanted a probation report on Arundel in order that he could consider all options on him.

He told Arundel: “I am not ruling anything in or out at this stage. No indications, no promises, we will see what happens next time.”

Prosecutor Conor Quinn said there were “ramifications” for the animal involved in the attack, but this would be explored at the sentencing hearing.

Tracksuited Arundel was bailed ahead of his next court appearance on October 17.