Father of two-year-old dog attack victim reportedly on suicide watch in jail
The father of a two-year-old boy who was mauled to death by dogs at a NSW motel has been released on bail after learning of the tragedy behind bars.
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The father of a two-year-old boy who was mauled to death by dogs at a NSW motel has been released on bail after being placed on suicide watch in jail where he learned of his son’s death.
Jyedon Pollard was attacked by a rottweiler and a cattle dog at the Country Gardens Motel in Cowra, in the state’s central west, at around 10.20am on Tuesday.
His mother Kesha Pollard was reportedly staying at the motel with her three children while waiting for permanent accommodation.
Jyedon was savaged by the two animals which tore at his face and neck, causing serious injuries, before he was dragged free by motel owner Matt McIIIhatton, who rendered first aid before rushing the boy to Cowra Hospital with his mum.
He was flown to Westmead Hospital in Sydney in a critical condition, but died after arriving.
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Brayden O’Hanlon, 24, learned of the news in jail where he was awaiting trial on a string of charges, The Daily Mail reported.
Jyedon’s aunt, Tearna O’Hanlon, told the publication that she broke the heartbreaking news to the dad behind bars.
“I was able to tell Brayden what has happened,” Ms O’Hanlon said. “He’s not doing too good. Hopefully Brayden is going to be released from prison by the weekend.”
According to The Daily Mail, Mr O’Hanlon was being closely monitored in prison over fears he may self-harm after learning the news.
Mr O’Hanlon made an urgent appeal for bail in Griffith Local Court on Friday morning, where his lawyer told the court of his distress, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Magistrate Trevor Khan granted bail due to the tragic circumstances, imposing a curfew and ordering he live in Cowra.
Mr O’Hanlon is facing a range of charges including aggravated break-and-enter, assault and larceny.
Mr O’Hanlon is the father of two of Ms Pollard’s children, Jyedon and Tahaleaha, 5, but the couple split up more than a year ago.
Police sources told The Daily Telegraph earlier this week initial investigations suggested the dogs were in an enclosure at the rear of the motel at the time and detectives were trying to determine how Jyedon got into the dog pen.
“It would be a horrific situation to be confronted by but he acted very bravely and very concisely,” Chifley police superintendent Bob Noble told media on Tuesday of Mr McIIIhatton rendering first aid.
“Everyone is devastated, when a child so young dies in such terrible fashion, it’s upsetting to a lot of people.”
The motel owner declined to speak to media.
“Sorry … it’s all too much,” he said when approached for comment by The Daily Mail on Wednesday.
It is not known why the dogs attacked the boy.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the dogs were owned by hotel staff and had previously played with the children without incident.
“He’s the most precious and beautiful kid, no one can believe it’s happened to him,” a relative said.
A witness told 9 News, “I heard a bit of screaming and when the screaming got louder, I saw the kids screaming, I looked out the window across the road and I saw some guy carrying a little kid who was absolutely screaming and people were panicked.”
The two dogs were seized by the local council.
A police statement on Tuesday said a crime scene was established at the motel, where specialist officers continued to investigate.
Originally published as Father of two-year-old dog attack victim reportedly on suicide watch in jail