In the Media

Knife man 'lost it' over dog attack

PUBLISHED September 26, 2006
SHARE

A teacher who stabbed a neighbour 19 times after their dogs had a fight was jailed for six and a half years yesterday.

Ronald Smallshire, 56, described in court as a "pillar of the community", "went mental" when his border collie Roxy was attacked by one of Michael Oakley's two German shepherds.

After prising his dog free, he ran into his bungalow, grabbed a steak knife and launched the attack.

advertisementIt was so violent that the knife broke, which saved Mr Oakley's life, Bournemouth Crown Court heard.

Smallshire pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding with intent at an earlier hearing.

Passing sentence, Judge Samuel Wiggs told Smallshire, who taught craft, design and technology at Kings High School, Bournemouth: "Michael Oakley has had lasting pain, his work prospects have been affected and he is embarrassed by the scars."

The attack on Mr Oakley, a mobile telephone technician, of Highcliffe, Dorset, was witnessed by his three sisters, Kimberley, nine, Heather, 11, and Krystyna, 12.

Smallshire's wife, Hilary, 56, also a teacher, ran indoors and called an ambulance.

She told the operator: "I think my husband has lost it. I think he has gone insane."
 

CATEGORIES