The father of a baby killed by the family dog has denied a charge of cruelty.
Three-week old Reggie Richardson died in June last year, after he was attacked by a family pet in his home in Sunderland.
The lakeland terrier attacked the baby, who later died in hospital on June 20. The terrier was later taken to secure kennels and destroyed.
Ryan Young, 30, denied a charge of cruelty to a person under 16 and of owning a dog which, while dangerously out of control, caused injuries that led to Reggie’s death.
Mr Young appeared at Newcastle Crown Court holding a picture of his son and then sobbed as he sat with his head down in the dock.
Caroline Goodwin, defending, said the family had been left “devastated” by the incident which took place in June.
Judge Robert Adams granted him unconditional bail and said he would return for trial in November.