A dog owner has been allowed to keep his pet after admitting it acted dangerously in public.

Michaeal Butterworth, of Burnside Avenue in Chingford, appeared at Thames Magistrates Court on Friday where he pleaded guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Earlier this year, the 25-year-old’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier escaped from his home and approached a woman walking her dog outside.

The dog is said by Waltham Forest council to have acted dangerously causing the woman to fear for heself and her pet.

At the time of the incident, a relative of Mr Butterworth was cleaning her car on his drive with the wire for the vaccum trailing through the house, meaning the front door could not shut.

Magistrates dealt with the offence by way of a fine, although neither the council or the court have revealed the amount.

The dog was returned to the Butterworth family with conditions attached to its ownership.

A court control order states the house must be secured to prevent escape and it must always be walked on a muzzle and lead.

No child under 16 is allowed to have control of the dog.

The case was adjourned three times for ‘personal reasons’ before it was heard on Friday.