Dog attack accused pair in court

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The grandmother and uncle of a girl of five who was killed by a dog on Merseyside have appeared in court.

Ellie Lawrenson was killed by a pit bull terrier-type animal at the St Helens home of her grandmother, Jacqueline Simpson.

Ms Simpson, 46, was before magistrates in Liverpool charged with unlawful killing on grounds of gross negligence.

In a separate hearing, her son, Kiel was charged with having a prohibited dog. Both were bailed until 25 April.

Ms Simpson also faces a charge of possessing a Class A drug. She was granted unconditional bail and her case was adjourned to Liverpool Crown Court.

Mr Simpson, aged 23, who did not enter a plea, was charged with possession of a banned dog, namely an American pit bull terrier.

He was also granted unconditional bail but will re-appear at the city's Magistrates Court on the same date.

Ellie suffered fatal head and neck injuries in the attack at the house in Knowles House Avenue in Eccleston, on New Year's Day.

The dog which attacked her was destroyed at the scene by Merseyside Police.