RACHEL AND BRIAN WALSHE FROM BOOTLE SENTENCED AFTER FATAL DOG ATTACK IN MERSEYSIDE

Rachel Walshe, born circa 194, of Grosvenor Close in Bootle, and her son Brian Walshe, born around 1982 and residing on The Marian Way in Bootle, have been held accountable for a tragic incident involving their two Rottweilers that resulted in the death of a young woman. The incident took place in the area of Park Lane West, Netherton, Merseyside, in August 2023, and has since garnered significant attention from local authorities and the community alike.

According to court records, the two individuals faced charges related to their failure to control their dogs, which led to a brutal and frenzied attack on Marie Stevens, a 40-year-old care worker. Ms. Stevens had approached the dogs with the intention of petting them, a common gesture of friendliness, but was met with violent aggression. The attack was described as ferocious, with both dogs mauling her and tearing at her flesh in a manner that was described as ragged and relentless.

During the proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that Ms. Stevens sustained multiple bites during the attack. She required skin grafts to treat her injuries and was hospitalized for two weeks before being discharged. Tragically, the day after her release, she suffered a collapse at home due to a deep vein thrombosis, which medical experts confirmed was a direct consequence of the injuries sustained during the dog attack. Despite medical intervention, Ms. Stevens succumbed to her condition.

The court heard that the dogs had exhibited signs of aggression prior to the attack, with one of the animals being taken to the veterinarian two days earlier for evaluation. This indicates a pattern of concerning behavior that was not adequately addressed by the owners. The defendants admitted to owning the dogs dangerously out of control, which resulted in Ms. Stevens' death. Both Rachel and Brian Walshe pleaded guilty to a single charge related to their failure to prevent the attack.

In response to the incident, authorities issued a destruction order for the two Rottweilers, which are currently being held in police kennels. The judge mandated that the dogs be euthanized to prevent any future harm. The sentencing for Rachel and Brian Walshe included a 10-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with a 20-day rehabilitation order. Additionally, they were ordered to contribute £3,500 towards kennelling costs. Rachel Walshe, who has kept Rottweilers for over 30 years, was disqualified from owning any dogs indefinitely. Her son Brian Walshe received a five-year disqualification, which will expire in May 2029.

Lawyers representing the defendants described the incident as a 'momentary lapse' that allowed the dogs to attack as a pack, a characterization that has been met with public concern given the severity of the tragedy. The case underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the dangers posed by aggressive dogs when not properly managed.