Dad of Baby Reggie pleads not guilty to charges after infant son killed in dog attack

Ryan Young, 30, denied wilfully assaulting, neglecting or ill-treating Reggie Simon Richardson Young, for whom he was responsible at the time his dog attacked and killed the tragic infant on June 20 last year.

He also pleaded not guilty allowing the Lakeland Terrier, called Tricky, to cause injury which resulted in the death of Reggie, while dangerously out of control, during a first appearance at Sunderland Magistrates' Court this morning.

Prosecutor John McGlone said: "You realise the serious nature of the charge of allowing the tragic death of a child. Under these circumstances I would suggest it is of a nature that is wholly unsuitable for this court and should be sent to the crown court.

Young's solicitor Joanne Gatens said she had no representations to make.

The bench declined jurisdiction, and Young, who gave his address as Holborn Road, Hylton Lane Estate, Sunderland, will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on February 18.

He was released on unconditional bail.