The court heard how the attack took place as the youngster walked to her friend’s house.
As she walked past the address Valentine was staying at in his camper van outside, she was set upon by a pack of six dogs that were being kept both in the back garden and in the defendant’s camper van, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
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Ackers Lane in Carrington, where the attack took place earlier this year / Credit: Google Maps
The little girl’s older sister then bravely tried to wrestle the dogs off her as she was being attacked on the pavement.
It was only when her mother picked her up that the dogs ran off.
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The little girl sadly sustained “serious injuries” to her face, scalp, hand, abdomen, arms, legs, back, and shoulder during the attack – which she has since had surgery for.
Following the traumatic incident, Valentine was arrested on Tuesday 28 March when his van was traced to Fallowfield in south Manchester, and the dogs were subsequently seized, before he was also arrested in connection with another incident back in December 2022 when a man was walking his pet Dalmatian.
Both the man and Dalmatian were injured after being set upon by the dogs, and a member of the public was said to have had to intervene.
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Following his trial last week, Valentine was handed a 49-month prison sentence.
He was also banned from owning dogs for life, and has a 10-year restraining order after pleading guilty to eight charges of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, and possession of Class B drugs.
Speaking following the trial, DC Goodhand, of Trafford CID, thanked the victims for supporting the prosecution, adding: “Whilst nothing can take these experiences away from them, we hope that today’s sentence goes some way to allowing them to heal and move on.”
DC Goodhand also urged anyone with information relating to dangerous animals to report this to the police, so that “appropriate action can be taken”.
Any information can be reported via 101, or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.