A FATHER-of-five who allowed his dog to attack a man over a £7 debt thanked a judge as he was spared an immediate jail sentence.

There was more good news for Michael Arundel after his pitbull dog Rizla escaped being destroyed on the recommendation of police who said it was not a threat to public safety.

Arundel, who has 40 convictions for 125 offences, was convicted of unlawful wounding last year in relation to the attack in the Beechwood area of Middlesbrough on December 19, 2013, which left the victim with deep lacerations to his leg.

He also admitted being the owner of a dog which caused injury while being out of control in a public place.

Separately, Arundel admitted a burglary in the town in January last year during which he was disturbed by a householder as he stole bikes from a garden shed.

The man rugby tackled him and exchanged punches with Arundel, before pulling a balaclava off his face. Arundel fled, but was later trapped by his DNA left on the balaclava.

Recorder Jamie Hill gave Arundel a 21 month jail sentence, suspended for two years, after hearing how he had already spent time in custody, had complied with orders, and been subject to an electronic tag for more than a year.

The judge said that while the defendant had called his dog over in order to bite the victim, he and the jury accepted that he had quickly changed his mind and then tried to pull the animal away.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Rizla had been a well-behaved dog since being kennelled by police and an officer had recommended he should not be destroyed.

Recorder Hill said Rizla would not be destroyed as long as he was neutered within three months and microchipped.

He would also have to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public.

Arundel, 34, of Thorndyke Avenue, Middlesbrough, had argued with the victim over £7 he was owed.

Recorder Hill said: “Some people may regard you as being lucky, but the length of time that has gone by and the positive things that have happened and the way you have behaved means I am able to take an exceptional course.”

Arundel thanked the judge, adding: “I have got a family at home with five kids and a girlfriend who will support me.”