Judge to pay $500 to walker injured by dog

Why did this go to court? Read on...

Judge Mary Beth Sharp yesterday (Wednesday) pleaded guilty in Auckland District Court to being in possession of a dog which startled a person causing injury, after Auckland Council withdrew a more serious charge of owning a dog that attacked a person, which she denied.

Margot Bryant was also going for a walk and the two were talking when George jumped up and injured Mrs Bryant's right forearm. "Day to day it wasn't easy," Mrs Byant said in court. "I'd hate it to happen to anyone else. I have two grandchildren, the love of my life. I'd hate it if anything happened to them," she said. The court was told the dog was on a leash and quickly restrained, and Sharp's lawyer, Michael Reed, QC, said it was accidental. "There was no intent. It wasn't even her dog." Sharp and her family had behaved "impeccably" towards the victim, offering financial assistance, even baking her a cake, Mr Reed said.  MORE>>

So why did this go to court if it seems that it was all dealt with .