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Woman denies owning dog which fatally attacked man

PA Media Police tape sealing off a gate at the scene of the attack in StratfordPA Media
Leanne McDonnell, 33, denied owning or being in charge of the dog that attacked Akif Mustaq in Stratford

A woman has denied owning a banned pit bull terrier that fatally injured her friend in her flat in east London.

Leanne McDonnell, 33, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court accused of owning or being in charge of the dog that attacked Akif Mustaq in Stratford on 4 December.

Mr Mustaq was injured on his neck, windpipe, thumb and thigh during the attack and died the following day in hospital, a previous court hearing was told.

Ms McDonnell was not asked to enter any other pleas and was granted conditional bail to appear at the same court on 2 June.

Last month officers were called to Shirley Road at 04:53 GMT after reports that a 42-year-old man had been seriously wounded, the Metropolitan Police said.

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