MAGISTRATES banned a woman from owning a dog for a year after they heard how her pet bit a passer-by.

Elizabeth Cusick, 46, of West Auckland Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty yesterday at South Durham Magistrates' Court to being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place

She was walking her bearded collie cross on a lead along Woodland Road, on August 6, when it bit Christine Thompson on the leg.

Derek Walton, prosecuting, said Mrs Thompson felt something on her left calf, lifted her trouser and found an open wound, which was bleeding profusely.

He said she called after Cusick, who answered: "Sorry sweetheart, I got it from a rescue centre."

Mrs Thompson went to a neighbour, who drove her to hospital. She has returned to hospital twice suffering from pains in her leg.

"The defendant was spoken to by a police officer," said Mr Walton. "She fully accepted the incident."

Peter Furness, mitigating, said Cusick did not have a muzzle on the dog as she did not realise it was dangerous.

Cusick has since returned the animal to the centre. As well as the banning order, she was ordered to pay £75 compensation.