A DOG may have to be destroyed after it seriously injured a man during an attack in Worcester city centre.

Andrew Cornes used his Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross to inflict injuries on another man in The Trinity in Worcester.

Although no details of the injuries have yet been revealed, West Midlands Ambulance Service has confirmed that a man in his 30s was treated near Bushwackers for 'dog bites' following a 999 call at around 4.09am.

An ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene. It is understood that the casualty was treated at the scene before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.

Cornes, aged 35, was convicted of having used the dog 'as a weapon' during an assault.

He appeared at Worcester Crown Court with co-defendant Bobby Watts.

Cornes, of George Street, Worcester, was due to be sentenced for section 18 wounding (with intent) which involves the use of a dog as a weapon and also being the owner of a dog which caused injuries while dangerously out of control on Friday.

Watts, aged 19, of Westmount Road, London was due to be sentenced for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray for his role in the incident.

Timothy Sapwell, prosecuting, said it was an incident which involved 'several other defendants' with some youths already having been dealt with in the youth court.

Mr Sapwell said the court had to consider destruction of the dog, describing that as 'the default position unless there is evidence to the contrary.'

However, Recorder Benjamin Nicholls hinted at a possible reprieve, saying: "If this is a case not of a dangerous dog but a dangerous owner, which it very often is my experience, if the dog isn't inherently dangerous and appropriate arrangements can be made for rehoming and that sort of thing, clearly that's something the defence could deal with."

However, he added that the default position was that the court make a destruction order 'unless the court is satisfied the dog does not present a danger to public safety.'

"We have to look at the dog's previous convictions, so to speak" said Recorder Nicholls.

You don't want the dog put down" said Recorder Nicholls to Cornes.

"I've had that dog for 10 years" he replied.

It is understood that Cornes's aunt is prepared to look after the dog. The judge told Cornes he did not believe he would be able to keep the dog.

"If it can be rehomed that may mean we don't have to order the dog to be put down" said Recorder Nicholls.

Cornes appeared in person and Watts via videolink for the sentencing hearing on Friday, August 23, both defendants having already been convicted for their part in the violence.

However, the case was adjourned so the two men could be sentenced alongside a third co-defendant.

Aaron Abbott, aged 18, who was not in court, is due to be sentenced for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray on September 10 this year.

Recorder Nicholls adjourned the case until September 10.

The Recorder said he understood that Cornes wished to know what sentence he would receive but that all three men should be sentenced together for the incident, which happened on February 3 this year.

Evidence to be heard is understood to include analysis by a police dog handler.

Watts, who appeared over videolink, is to be produced at court on the next occasion.

Watts also has to be sentenced for two counts of being in possession of a bladed article in a public place.