A frail 73-year-old woman died after being savaged by a police dog searching her garden in pursuit of a suspected drug dealer, an inquest heard.
Irene Collins was attacked by Dano the police dog after she allowed his handler PC Bain to bring the animal onto her property.
An inquest into her death heard that she was bitten more than once and, despite already suffering lung cancer and emphysema, it was later found that the dog attack caused her death.
Floral tributes left for Irene Collins after she was attacked by police German shepherd Dano
A jury as Teesside Coroner’s Court began heard the attack took place in July 2014 at her home on the Park End estate in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire.
Mrs Collins died four days later in the town’s James Cook University Hospital and Home Office pathologist Mark Egan found at the time that she would not have died if she hadn’t been bitten by the dog.
Opening the five day hearing, Teesside’s assistant coroner Karin Welch said: ‘Irene Collins was 73-year-old and had been diagnosed with long cancer in 2012. Amongst other complaints she also suffered Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, otherwise known as COPD or emphysema.
‘On July 16th 2014 officers from Cleveland Police received information regarding a male suspect involved in a drug transaction. It was believed the suspect may be in a garden at the rear of Penrith Road.
‘In the course of the search a dog handler, PC Bains, and his police dog Dano were brought in. Irene Collins gave permissison for her garden to be search and remained inside her home.
‘You will hear that Dano gained access to Irene Collins’ home and bit her on more than one occasion.
‘Police officer responded quickly and gave first aid. She was taken to James Cook University Hospital but despite the best efforts of medical professionals she died n July 20th 2014. A post mortem was carried out following Irene’s death.’
Dr Egan record the cause of death as cardio respiratory failure due to COPD, cancer of the lungs and dog bites.
Mrs Welch said: ‘Dr Egan recorded at the time she would not have died when she did – notwithstanding her medical difficulties – had it not been for the dog bites. You will hear from him when he gives evidence in due course.’
Pensioner Irene Collins died after she was bitten by a police dog brought to her house in this street in Middlesbrough when officers were searching for a suspected drug dealer
PC Andrew Jobling was part of the team searching the garden between 9pm and 9.30pm that night.
He claimed onto a garden shed in the search for the suspect, described as an Asian male.
He told the hearing: ‘A helicopter was brought in to help with the search but there were two large trees in the garden of [Mrs Collins’ home]. A decision was taken to bring in a dog handler.’
The hearing continues.