Two Individuals Plead Guilty to Owning Dog That Caused Life-Changing Injuries

A man and a woman have pleaded guilty to owning a dog that attacked a man in Doncaster, causing him life-changing injuries. The animal’s attack on the victim took place on 17 November in the Cusworth area of the city. Julien Lever, 29, and Alison Hodkinson, 57, entered guilty pleas at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday for owning a dog that was dangerously out of control. Additionally, Mr. Lever admitted to charges of assaulting an emergency worker, possession of cocaine with intent to supply, and possession of heroin during the same hearing. According to South Yorkshire Police, the dog implicated in the attack was an American bulldog-type breed. Ms. Hodkinson, however, pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession with intent to supply drugs at the hearing. A trial date for this charge has been scheduled for 20 May 2025. Mr. Lever is also slated to appear for a hearing on the same date. Both individuals, who reside on Wroxham Way in Cusworth, have been released on bail.