Sport chief in court over dog's attack

Sports administrator Bill Garlick offered compensation to the family of a 2-year-old boy allegedly bitten by his golden retriever dog, Masterton District Court was told.

Garlick, 51, an investment banker and former New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association boss, has denied owning a dog that attacked Jacob Rapira-Davies, causing serious injuries.

The prosecution claimed Garlick's dog, Sam, bit Jacob on the face at a wedding function north of Featherston on March 15.

Jacob needed 65 stitches, and was treated at Hutt Hospital's plastic surgery unit.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson told the court he wanted the case resolved as soon as possible for the sake of Jacob's family.

"It could have been resolved on the day with the dog being put down," he said.

"We would have considered discharge if some remorse had been shown.

"There have been attempts by the defendant to compensate the family but not put the dog down, and the family found that repugnant."

Mr Wilson said that as far as police knew, the dog was still "running around".

Defence lawyer Richard Laurenson asked Judge Patrick Grace to discharge Garlick without a conviction because he came to the court with no previous convictions.

Judge Grace asked members of Jacob's extended family, who were in the public gallery, if they wanted to comment on the case.

Jacob's aunt and godmother, Alexandra Perry, said: "It was my wedding that it happened at.

"Mr Garlick has shown absolutely no remorse apart from on the day after the attack, when he said he would put the dog down after he had checked with his son.

"This hasn't happened ... and he said, 'The injuries weren't that bad - I have seen much worse'.

"My main concern is the dog is still around and able to do that again. I find it offensive that he thinks this should just go away."

Jacob's grandmother, Elizabeth Hill, told the court she would have a different view of the case if the dog had been destroyed straight away.

"We have been traumatised by what happened. We just want to get some closure."

David Wallace, Jacob's grandfather, said the attack was unprovoked, and he was "having trouble" with the dog being allowed to roam free.

"The injuries were horrific," he said. "Jacob is slowly on the mend but has terrible scarring."

Mr Laurenson responded by saying: "I wish to reassure persons who spoke that Mr Garlick treats this as very serious and has made a gesture of significant kind in respect of the child."

Judge Grace said that based on the what he had heard, he would not discharge Garlick.

"You can't dispute the dog bit the child, and these people are traumatised and see your man as responsible," he told Mr Laurenson.

"I wouldn't be prepared to discharge today.

"From the facts I have been given, the dog was secreted away ... and put into hiding, as it were."

He adjourned the case until June 24, when it is expected a date for a defended hearing will be set.

- NZPA