Charges dropped against Doncaster mum whose newborn son was mauled to death by family's out-of-control dog

A Doncaster mother whose newborn son was mauled to death by the family's out-of-control dog will not face trial, a court has heard.
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Tiny Elon Jase Ellis-Joynes was only 12 days old when he was attacked by the Chow Chow-cross called Teddy at his home in Doncaster in September 2020.

His father Steven Joynes, aged 36, had pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury resulting in death at a hearing in December last year.

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But prosecutors told Sheffield Crown Court Court on Monday the same charge against his mother Abigail Ellis would be dropped.

Flowers were left outside the home of Elon Ellis-Joynes after he was mauled to death by a dog in DoncasterFlowers were left outside the home of Elon Ellis-Joynes after he was mauled to death by a dog in Doncaster
Flowers were left outside the home of Elon Ellis-Joynes after he was mauled to death by a dog in Doncaster

She had also denied the charge and was due to stand trial in July. A not guilty verdict would be entered in her case when Joynes is sentenced later this month.

Richard Thyne, prosecuting solicitor, said: "Mr Joynes's plea amounts to conclusive evidence that he was the owner, he was in control and it was his failings that caused the dog to be dangerous."

He said this meant there was no longer a realistic chance of conviction if the prosecution of Ellis continued.

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The sitting judge, Mrs Justice Lambert, bailed both defendants until March 31, when Joynes will be sentenced by the Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC.

An inquest opening into Elon's death, held in 2020, heard he was still alive when his mother frantically called an ambulance.

Doncaster coroner's court heard that she told the 999 call handler that Elon was breathing, but was "really poorly" and was "bleeding from his leg or his stomach".

Elon, who was born on September 1, 2020, was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Floral tributes were left at the family's mid-terrace house as well-wishers and neighbours offered their support for the family.