Daniel Twigg’s parents Joanne Bedford and Mark Twigg have been jailed after being found guilty of being a person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury
The parents of a three-year-old boy who was savaged to death by a dog at a farm have been jailed.
Joanne Bedford, 38, and Mark Twigg, 43, were sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court following the death of their son, Daniel Twigg. The little child suffered “severe damage” to his neck as well as “massive internal and likely plentiful external bleeding” after entering a pen where a dog, believed to be a Cane Corso named Sid, and another dog were housed in poor conditions, the court was told.
The child was unsupervised when he entered the pen and was attacked by Sid. Emergency services rushed to Carr Farm in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, at around 1.10pm on May 15, 2022.
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However, despite he best efforts of paramedics and trauma staff at Manchester Children’s Hospital, Daniel sadly died from multiple head and neck injuries later that afternoon. At a trial earlier this year, the parents, from Blackley, Manchester, were acquitted of manslaughter but convicted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The pair were found guilty of being a person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.
Today, Bedford was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, while Twigg received a custodial sentence of two years and eight months. They are both disqualified from keeping a dog for 15 years.
The dog that attacked Daniel was one of eleven kept on the property, which the family moved into two months earlier, Greater Manchester Police said. Specialist officers from the force’s Tactical Aid Unit and Dog Unit responded to the scene, securing the area and safely removing the dogs.
Sid, who was showing extreme agitation, was humanely destroyed at the scene by a firearms officer. In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Kerr said: “No sentence in a case such as this can undo the damage done, nor assuage the grief of the bereaved. You have both lost your beloved son. The wrongdoing that led to Daniel’s death must be punished, and it is my mournful duty to see it done.”
Detective Sergeant Mark Evans, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “This was a deeply tragic and traumatic incident that has left a permanent mark on everyone involved from Daniel’s family and neighbours to the officers and medical professionals who responded that day. Daniel was a bright, curious little boy who had grown up around dogs, but as a toddler, he couldn’t understand the risks they could pose. What happened to him was deeply tragic and I want to thank the teams who worked tirelessly to bring justice for Daniel.”
Dog Legislation Officer Stephen Greenough, from our Specialist Operations Unit, said: “The dogs in this case were unpredictable, powerful, and not properly trained or controlled – and the consequences were devastating. Dogs should never be left unattended with children, particularly those under sixteen. Daniel was exposed to a situation no child should ever face, and the outcome was heartbreaking.
“We urge all dog owners to take their responsibilities seriously. If a dog is dangerously out of control and causes injury, the law will hold you accountable. This case should serve as a stark warning of what can happen when those responsibilities are ignored. If anyone has concerns about a dog posing a risk in the community, please report it to police. Early intervention can prevent tragedy.”
After Daniel’s death, the boy’s family paid tribute to him, saying: “Daniel was a happy, kind and caring little boy who was loved by all who knew him. He loved Paw Patrol and playing with his brother and sister, he also loved being around animals – especially his pony, Splash.
“He brought us many laughs and was a comical character. He was brave, intelligent and full of many characteristics. Daniel loved being with his whole family and will be missed by all. On behalf of our family, we ask people to respect our privacy.”
If you are worried about a dog posing a risk in your area, you can report it to police by calling 101. You can also make a report through the independent charity Crimestoppers – anonymously – on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.