A postwoman left ‘scarred for life’ after a savage dog attack has urged owners to keep their pets under control.

Helen Burgin, 29, was bitten on the leg as she delivered mail on the Moss estate in August, a court was told.

Magistrates heard the attack took place in front of children and left the Royal Mail worker nursing two deep puncture wounds.

Last Wednesday, the owner of the nine-year-old black and white collie cross Staffordshire bull terrier called Patch appeared at Macclesfield magistrates’ court.

Eric Hanaghan, 69, of Briarwood Avenue, admitted being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place.

After the hearing, postwoman Helen, from Tytherington, said that the incident had left ‘her scarred for life’.

She has now spoken out to urge dog owners to keep their pets under control.

She said: “The jovial image of a postman being chased by a dog is in reality no laughing matter.

“I endured a horrific injury just trying to do my job and all because the owner of the dog didn’t have it under proper control. I will now have a scar on my leg for the rest of my life. It serves as a warning to everyone with dogs to make sure it is under control at all times.”

The court heard that Helen was delivering around the Moss estate on August 31 when the drama unfolded.

Debbie Byrne, prosecuting, said: “Helen Burgin was working on the Sunny Bank and Hobson Street round on the day of the incident. She was being followed by a group of children, which is quite normal as they like to have the elastic bands keeping the post together when she’s finished with them.

“She has been previously aware of the dog at the defendant’s house. She described the dog as a ‘ferocious animal’ which would ‘bark, bite and go mental at the window’ when she approached the house.

“On August 31 the victim saw the gate and the front door were open. As she walked up the path the dog rushed out and went for her arm. She managed to bat it away with the bundle of post. She then tried to turn and run but the dog grabbed her by the leg above her knee.

“The defendant then intervened and she managed to get away. She looked down at her leg and saw two puncture wounds and blood pouring out. She could see fat and muscle leaking out of the holes.

“She heard the defendant order the dog away and someone else say ‘I told you this would happen.’ The defendant spoke to the children who saw the incident and said ‘this is why you should not come up my drive’. The defendant told police that the dog was a ‘softie’ and never aggressive to people visiting the house.”

Hanaghan, defending himself, said: “Since the incident the dog wears a muzzle outside, the post box was at the top of the driveway and I have put up warning signs. My dog is protective, not dangerous.”

Hanaghan was fined £50 and ordered to pay £150 compensation. He must also pay £105 court costs.

The court also issued a dog control order with four conditions: that the dog must be on a muzzle at all times and under control of the owner when in public; the postbox must be moved and signs installed; and secured fencing must be installed in his back garden.

A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “Dog attacks cause injuries and terrible trauma to our staff. Nobody should have to endure this and our postmen and women should not be at increased risk of such attacks simply because of the job they do.”