A WOMAN whose dog attacked a teenage girl has been told to pay £600 compensation.

Droitwich magistrates heard Natalie Layton was left in "unbearable agony" when Dudley - a basset hound - sank his jaws into her arm.

Prosecuting lawyer Mike Cowley said Anna Robinson had been convicted of being the owner of a dangerous dog in a public place, in her absence, after she failed to attend court in February.

Mum-of-three Robinson, a 32-year-old chef, appeared in handcuffs on Tuesday April 3. She had been arrested because she had failed to attend a court session for sentencing last month.

Mr Cowley told the court 15-year-old Miss Layton was set upon after she arrived with her dog, Major, at the Fox and Goose pub on the Westlands estate where her parents were drinking.

He said: "She saw a brown and white cross breed run, snarling at Major.

"Major ran to her and cowered."

The court heard Miss Layton was bitten on her left forearm as she tried to pick Major up during the incident last May.

Mr Cowley added: "She said she was screaming and in unbearable agony as the other dog held on for about 15 seconds."

The dog let go after being kicked twice in the stomach by Miss Layton's father.

The girl has been left with several scars, magistrates were told.

Defending lawyer Martin Fawlk said it was "out of character" for Dudley to attack anyone and Robinson, of Meadow Court, Droitwich, had been unaware the animal had escaped.

Mr Fawlk said: "Anna Robinson didn't attend the court hearing because of ill health and work commitments."

He added that Dudley was now kept on a chain.

The court ordered her to pay £263 costs.

She was also told to keep the animal muzzled and on a lead in public.