A Derry court has ordered the destruction of a 10 stone XL bully-type dog and fined its keeper Martina Johnson £75.

Johnson, from Mimosa Court in Derry, admitted being the keeper of the dog between September 19 and September 22, 2022.

Prosecutors stated exemptions exist to keep such dogs if a council finds it benefits the animal. No exemption applied in this case. The court deemed the dog dangerous.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley noted the dog came from Johnson's former partner after their breakup. He said Johnson lacked knowledge of licensing rules.

The prosecution sought £72 in court costs and £1,648 in kennelling fees. Quigley contested the full kennelling amount as excessive.

The court imposed £72 court costs and £357 kennelling fees alongside the fine.