A DOG on death row with a taste for men in uniform has been given a reprieve.

Magistrates had imposed a death sentence on three-year-old rottweiler Samson after they heard he had attacked a postman and a police officer.

They were bitten in separate incidents while calling at the home of owner Mandie Jayne Henderson, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Despite a previous order by South Durham magistrates for Samson to be kept under control after the attack on the postman, he bit the PC on the arm in the back yard of the house, in Booth Walk, last January.

The officer, who was calling after a further complaint about the dog, retreated bleeding from puncture wounds.

Magistrates imposed the destruction order at a hearing in August, and confirmed their ruling last month.

But this week, eight days before he was due to be put down, Ms Henderson appealed against the sentence at Durham Crown Court. Her barrister, James Robinson, said that other than a clash with another dog while being walked by Ms Henderson's former partner, there had been no further incidents since the officer was bitten.

Mr Robinson told the court that Samson was muzzled when taken for a walk.

He said: "She will do whatever is necessary to spare this dog.

"She did not believe he had to be kept muzzled when he was at home in the yard, but she can keep him muzzled all the time at home, if necessary."

Judge Michael Cartlidge, sitting with two magistrates, upheld the appeal, sparing Samson, but imposed a number of conditions on 39-year-old Ms Henderson.

These include keeping Samson muzzled and on a lead at all times when not at home. Warning notices must also be put up outside the house.

Judge Cartlidge said: "I hope this will ensure there is no further trouble in future."

Leaving court, Ms Henderson said: "He just does not seem to like men in uniforms, but I have had people at the house and he is as soft as can be with them."