Drunk Owner Joel Bapaga Did Nothing as His Dog Mauled 4-Year-Old Boy, Court Hears

A four-year-old boy was left with severe injuries after being viciously attacked by a Cane Corso that had escaped from its drunk owner, Joel Bapaga, in Newtown, Birmingham. The horrifying incident unfolded on July 13, 2023, while the child was playing in his front garden.

Bapaga, 49, had been seen stumbling down the street intoxicated, with the large dog off its lead. Moments later, the dog charged into the child’s yard and mauled him multiple times. According to Birmingham Crown Court, Bapaga “stood by and did nothing” as the animal launched the violent attack.

Family members and the boy’s father desperately tried to stop the dog, eventually managing to pull the child away. The boy suffered serious bites to his head, hip, buttocks, and leg. He was rushed to hospital, where he required stitches and surgery. Doctors also confirmed he was left traumatized by the ordeal.

The court heard that Joel Bapaga had purchased the dog, referred to as “a fighting dog,” for just £80 earlier that same day. The animal was later put down.

At sentencing, Judge Andrew Smith KC said: “You passed by with a large black dog. I am satisfied you were drunk and not in control. It ran into the front garden and bit [the victim] on multiple occasions including the head… While his father and family members looked to protect him from the attack, you stood by and did nothing.”

Although Bapaga admitted to owning a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury, he avoided jail time due to mental health concerns. The court was told he suffered a brain injury and PTSD after being attacked in 2021. Instead of prison, Bapaga was handed a hospital order. “In prison, you would not have access to the special neurological rehabilitation you will be receiving,” the judge noted.

Bapaga will remain in hospital until specialists deem him fit for release. He has also been banned from owning a dog for the next 14 years.

Read More: British Man Burned Alive in Amazon After Murder Accusation