Derbyshire woman spat at horse-owner after her dog killed a chicken

A Derbyshire woman whose dog killed her neighbours chickens spat at her after the pair got into an argument, a court heard.
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Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court was told on Monday, January 20, how Henriette Jennifer Scott Baker had been walking her dog on 17 March last year when the incident occurred.

The court was shown video footage of the incident showing the two women rowing, and Scott Baker’s dog slipping its lead and killing a chicken in a stabling yard close to her home.

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When the victim restrained the dog and refused to return it, Scott Baker was seen to go to the rear of a horse box and threaten to release the horse, screaming “give me my dog back to little tart”.

Her dog killed  chickenHer dog killed  chicken
Her dog killed chicken

She also accused the victim of not taking care of her horses properly, keeping them in muddy conditions.

Prosecuting, Becky Allsop said that, during the altercation, Scott Baker had spat ar the woman, which constituted an assault.

She said: “When she was interviewed by police she had said that she didn’t assault the complainant because a spit was not an assault but she now accepts that it is. There has been a previous issue between them.”

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Scott Baker, 60, of Crofters Barn, Knowts Hall Farm, Golden Valley, Riddings, Alfreton, admitted assault when she appeared before the court, following the incident in Codnor Gate, Ripley.

Separate charges of owning a dog dangerously out of control in public place, threatening behaviour, and owning a dog worrying livestock were dropped by the Crown.

Mitigating, David Gittins said the complainant “had given as good as she’d got”.

He said: “The footage shows her walking away towards her home and she is then followed by the complainant. They are both giving as good as they got.

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“Because the complainant wouldn’t give her the dog back, she has spat at her - but neither of the ladies have covered themselves in glory and it could have been de-escalated by either party.

Scott Baker was fined £50 and ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation days with the Probation Service. Magistrates also issued a one-year restraining order and ordered Scott Baker to pay £100 in compensation.