A woman whose rescue dog bit another dog walker has been ordered to pay her victim £5,000 in compensation.

Karen Baker of the Heath, Caterham, was walking her two Staffordshire bull terriers when one of her dogs, Daisy, began fighting with one of four dogs being walked by professional dog walker Hayley Hamilton-Herbert.

Croydon Magistrates' Court heard Mrs Baker, 48, ran over to help Mrs Hamilton-Herbert following the attack at Kenley Aerodome, on February 28.

Tina Hay defending said: "She grabbed Daisy by the collar and pulled. This was probably the worse thing she could have done as she [Daisy] had this lady's wrist in her mouth.

"Mrs Baker was very shocked and distressed by the incident and has spoken twice to the complainant since the incident and repeatedly apologised."

Magistrates heard Mrs Hamilton-Herbert had to undergo surgery for a severed tendon and is also attending regular physiotherapy sessions for her hand.

Sentencing Baker, magistrates said they would not be ordering a destruction order for Daisy.

An order was made for Daisy to be kept under proper control by being muzzled and on a fixed lead when in a public place. She must also be insured and tagged at all times.

Baker was banned from walking Daisy at the Kenley Aerodrome for the life of the dog and was warned Daisy would be destroyed if the conditions were not met.

As well as being ordered to pay compensation. Baker was fined £665 and ordered to pay court costs of £85 as well as a £15 victim surcharge.