BRODY the rescue collie cross labrador has escaped with his life after biting a teenager.

But magistrates in Torquay have ordered the dog must be kept on a secure lead in public after hearing that he bit a teenage skateboarder at Teignmouth train station cafe as he went past and chased a motorcyclist.

Yesterday Brody's, owner, 69-year-old Rosaleen Norsworthy, from Livingstone Road, Teignmouth, pleaded guilty to having a dog which was dangerously out of control.

She was fined a total of £145.

Prosecuting, Phillip Sewell said Brody had bitten both of the teenage skater's legs, leaving him 'shaken' after the incident on May 18.

A day later Brody was misbehaving again, chasing a motorcyclist who had to take 'evasive' action.

Clerk of Court David Bolton said chairman of the bench Penny Kingsley-Smith could order the destruction of the dog immediately or in the event of it attacking again in the future or the court could make a specific order that would control the dog such as the use of a muzzle, as well as fining the owner.

Mitigating, Martin Salloway said there had already been an element of 'restorative justice' as Norsworthy had paid £30 for the teenager's jeans to be replaced.

She was not eligible for legal aid and paid for her dog to go on a £150 training course, as well as paying the court's costs.

But chairman of the bench Mrs Kingsley-Smith fined Norsworthy £50 for having her dog dangerously out of control, ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge, costs of £30 and compensation of £50.

"We are pleased that you have already undertaken the training for Brody and have paid for the jeans," she added.