Skye Georgina James, Leichhardt, faces Ipswich Court for ‘dangerous’ staffy’s attack on mobility scooter rider

A young mum has been punished for letting her “dangerous” dog escape and attack a mobility scooter rider and his dog, in a “terrifying” ordeal captured in CCTV. WATCH THE VIDEO

An Ipswich mum has been reprimanded for her “chronic negligence” that allowed her “dangerous” dog to escape and attack a mobility scooter rider and his dog in the street.

Leichhardt mum-of-three Skye Georgina James, 27, pleaded guilty on February 19 to two counts of failing to ensure a dog does not attack or cause fear (cause bodily harm to person or animal), and fail to register a dog in relevant local government area.

Ipswich Magistrates’ Court heard Ms James was responsible for an American Staffordshire Terrier named Shadow, which escaped her home and attacked mobility scooter rider Shane Stein and his dog Scooby last January.

Shane Stein and his beloved support dog Scooby. Picture: Shane Stein

Mr Stein suffered lacerations to his arm and fingers from the attack, while Scooby sustained a puncture wound to the chest.

CCTV footage of the incident was played in court showing the black dog Shadow running into the street and multiple individuals including Ms James following after, attempting to pry the dogs apart.

Mr Stein could be heard calling out to his dog, while Ms James (the second woman to come out) could be heard screaming.

Ms James turned her head away in tears as the footage played in court.

Acting Magistrate Paul Byrne said the footage showed an “incredible display of incompetence”.

“No one in that picture seemed to have a clue what they were doing.”

Leichhardt mum-of-three Skye Georgina James, 27. Picture: Facebook

Defence lawyer Chris O’Neill said his client was doing her “incompetent best” and had no intention to cause any harm.

He said Ms James was a single mother to three young children, and had been pregnant with the third child at the time of this incident.

She had started looking after Shadow when the previous owner became unable to care for the dog anymore.

Shadow had got out of the house on this occasion after Ms James’ mother had left the door ajar while taking out the bins, Mr O’Neill said.

Ms James was the only one accused of any wrongdoing.

Mr O’Neill said Shadow had never shown such aggression before this incident.

He noted Shadow was put down as a result, as Ms James didn’t have the finances to fund the suggestions Council provided to house Shadow securely.

Leichhardt mum-of-three Skye Georgina James, 27, leaves Ipswich Court on February 19, 2024. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Mr Byrne said if Shadow were a different breed, it would be easier to feel sorry for Ms James.

He said he believed it was “chronic negligence” for Ms James to have allowed a “renowned dangerous breed” into her home, with young children, and with limited financial capacity to care for it.

“What I saw on the screen was terrifying, and you know that,” Mr Byrne told her.

“This was something waiting to happen … There was an incredible amount of stupidity on you taking on the responsibility of that dog in any circumstances.”

He said he would refuse to believe Ms James wasn’t aware of the breed’s “infamy”, noting she said she had grown up with staffies.

But Mr Byrne concluded it was a matter of “foolish naivety” that led to her “gross negligence” – not any intention to cause harm.

Ms James was fined $4000, along with additional fines for court costs.

No convictions were recorded.

Beloved companion Scooby, recovering from a dog attack with the RSPCA. Picture: Supplied

Mr Stein told The Queensland Times that he and Scooby had both recovered well since the attack.

“Thanks to all who have contributed to the wellbeing of Scooby,” he said.

Mr Stein said he was working with Scooby to reintroduce him to other dogs, but said it was still a work in progress.

He was sorry to hear that Shadow had been put down.

“It’s not his fault … There should be more strict laws surrounding dog attacks,” he said.