Bognor pair plead guilty after Rottweilers mauled elderly man

Matthew Roberts and Chloe Taylor admitted that their dogs Sidney and Daisy were dangerously out of control when they mauled 77-year-old Vic Franklin in an attack which led to him losing his leg, arm and finger.

Roberts and Taylor, 30 and 27, could now face prison time after armed police officers were forced to shoot and kill both dogs in order to save Mr Franklin.

An earlier court hearing heard that Mr Franklin was walking his own spaniel in Lewes Close, Bognor, when he was attacked by the two dogs.

Megan Attree, prosecuting, said: "Mr Franklin was walking his dog when two large Rottweilers ran towards him to attack his dog.

Vic Franklin, 77, was mauled by rottweilers (Image: Family Handout)

"He tried to kick them away and they savagely attacked him.

"The injuries he suffered left him shredded.

"This was a savage, prolonged attack of ten minutes before a neighbour fended them off with a spirit level.

"His family thought he was going to die.”

Both Rottweilers were shot dead following the incident on August 18 last year.

Doctors had to amputate Mr Franklin's left leg, right arm and left middle finger.

Roberts and Taylor, who lived near Mr Franklin, admitted being the owners of dangerously out of control dogs at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday.

After recovering from four operations to save his life, the heroic pensioner paid tribute to emergency services who saved his life.

The scene in Lewes Close after the attack (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

“Simply put, I wouldn’t be here without the assistance of our emergency service workers,” Mr Franklin said.

“From the first responders including police and paramedics, to the air ambulance crew and the selfless staff at Royal Sussex County Hospital, I am eternally grateful.”

Vic’s son Lee – speaking on behalf of the family – heaped praise on his father.

Lee said: “We were completely devastated when we heard what happened.

"It sent shockwaves through the family because Dad has been the glue that holds us all together.

“Our main concern was not only the preservation of his life, but also the quality of his life.

"We realised we didn’t have a choice and after having his left leg, right arm and left middle finger amputated, we feared the worst.

“You just don’t know what’s going to happen.

"But with dad in recovery now, everyone who sees him says how much of an inspiration he is.

"He’s still dad, and he still manages to make everyone laugh.

“The first thing he said when he woke up from surgery was ‘everyone is safe now’ after hearing the news about the attack.

"His first thought was to ensure everyone was safe and that the dogs could do no further harm.

"As far as we’re concerned he’s our hero.”

Roberts and Taylor will be sentenced in December.