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'Rules not broken' for killer dog Killer dog 'tormented' by family
(about 4 hours later)
The 45-year-old grandmother of Ellie Lawrenson said she broke no family rules by allowing a pit bull terrier inside her home, a court heard. The dog that savaged five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson to death had been tormented by family members, a court has heard.
Jackie Simpson, 45, told the jury at Liverpool Crown Court she had no reason to suspect any danger if the pit bull terrier was allowed inside. Jackie Simpson, on trial for the manslaughter of her granddaughter, said her son Kiel had once lashed out at the dog shortly before it bit Ellie's aunt.
Ellie was mauled to death on New Year's Day by the dog at Ms Simpson's home in St Helens, Merseyside. On other occasions, Ms Simpson said Kelsey had tormented the animal.
Ms Simpson denies a charge of manslaughter through gross negligence. Ms Simpson, 45, from St Helens, Merseyside denies a charge of manslaughter by gross negligence.
Ellie suffered more than 72 injuries when the dog locked its jaws around her. Earlier she said she had broken no family rules by allowing the dog inside her home where he attacked Ellie.
Simpson told the jury at Liverpool Crown Court she had no reason to suspect any danger if the pit bull terrier was allowed inside.
Ellie was mauled to death on New Year's Day by the dog at Ms Simpson's home, suffering more than 72 injuries when the dog locked its jaws around her.
The dog was later shot dead by police.The dog was later shot dead by police.