THE owner of a German shepherd dog has been warned today it would "meet its maker" if it bit again.

Louise Emery, aged 54, appeared before Judge Peter Heywood at Swansea crown court having been convicted of failing to control a dangerous dog.

The court heard that the dog escaped from the garden of Emery's home near the iron fort in Eglwyswrw, Newport, as Elizabeth Rooney walked passed.

She was bitten on the arm and wrist and now suffered dreams about "dogs as big as wolves."

Brian Simpson, prosecuting, said the dog had not been secured.

Emery's barrister, Nicola Powell, said she was horrified by and extremely sorry for the injuries caused.

She had the dog, added Miss Powell, because she lived alone.

The garden was surrounded by a fence and a gate but there had been "problems with people" and it was possible the gate had been deliberately vandalised, enabling the dog to escape.

Miss Powell said Emery now intended to move to an address in Haverfordwest.

Judge Heywood said dog attacks could be "shocking, horrible and frightening" and warned Emery that if she did not control her dog in future it would "meet its maker."

Emery was conditionally discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay £300 in compensation and a government surcharge of £15.