Relative denies dog death charge

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The grandmother of a five-year-old girl who was fatally mauled by a dog has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter at Liverpool Crown Court.

Jacqueline Simpson, 46, was babysitting Ellie Lawrenson at her home in St Helens, Merseyside when the attack took place early on New Year's Day.

She was granted unconditional bail until the trial begins on 3 September.

The dog was later shot by Merseyside Police after confirmation that it was a banned "pit bull terrier type".

Jacqueline Simpson needed emergency surgery for arm injuries after she was also attacked by the dog as her granddaughter was savaged.

The child's uncle, 23-year-old Kyle Simpson, has already admitted owning the dog and was jailed for eight weeks in May.