Man attacked by police dog while sleeping in bed
August 17, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
A man suffered a head injury and deep lacerations to his arms and torso after a police Alsatian was allowed to enter his home via an open window by police.
Student and part time youth worker, James Ogwo of South London has been unable to work since the incident which happened in August 2007 because of the severe nature of his injuries. He still suffers from nightmares and is receiving treatment for post traumatic stress disorder.
Mr Ogwo was asleep in bed and awoke to find the dog on top of him. The dog dragged him out of bed and across the floor sinking its teeth into several areas of his body while police officers stood by and watched.
Mr Ogwo said “I couldn’t believe it; I thought I was having a nightmare, I just did not understand how this could be happening in my own home. I tried to protect myself but the dog was strong and his teeth were very sharp. Since this happened I have not been myself, I have been sitting at home getting depressed because I cannot work, it has affected my studies and I have lost the opportunity to qualify as a football coach”.
Cheryl Abrahams, senior solicitor at specialist personal injury firm, Bolt Burdon Kemp, took on Mr Ogwo’s case and is now preparing to issue court proceedings against the metropolitan police.
“The police should not have allowed the dog to roam free in Mr Ogwo’s home it should have been restrained by officers. Police dogs are trained to attack and so the officers would have known that the dog would inflict serious injury on anyone it came across”.
The police were apparently investigating a burglary in the property downstairs. The police are still investigating the incident and have omitted to accept responsibility for Mr Ogwo’s injuries to date.
Mr Ogwo added: “I am absolutely horrified that this has happened, I no longer feel safe in my own home. I have done nothing wrong and I cannot believe that the police have not admitted that they were at fault. This attack has ruined my life, I can’t sleep, I feel depressed and I am still in a lot of pain.”
Bolt Burdon Kemp are now intending to pursue the case.
For more information contact:
Cheryl Abrahams
Senior Solicitor
Bolt Burdon Kemp, Providence House, Providence Place, Islington, London, N1 0NT
Direct Line: 020 7288 4854
Email: cherylabrahams@boltburdonkemp.co.uk
www.boltburdonkemp.co.uk