A PUB landlady suffered 'life changing' injuries after she was attacked by two out-of-control Staffordshire bull terriers at a popular South Lakeland beauty spot.

South Lakeland Magistrates' Court heard that Michelle Hipwell, who runs the Station Inn at Oxenholme, was mauled by one of the two terriers as she attempted to rescue one of her own dogs that had been bitten and injured.

She received 'very serious injuries' to her hand and spent five days in hospital following the incident that took place on The Helm at around 7.05am on August 8.

Gary Edward Moss, 43, of Bleaswood Road, Oxenholme, pleaded guilty to being the owner in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. He also admitted being the owner of another dangerously out of control dog which caused injury.

Lisa Hine, prosecuting, said that Moss's white Staffordshire bull terrier cross-breed Rumble and black Staffordshire bull terrier Jack were both off their leads at the time of the attack.

Mrs Hipwell's dogs were both on leads when Rumble attacked and bit her pet. While trying to get Moss's white dog off her injured pet, Mrs Hipwell's hand was savaged, the court heard.

"She said she needed an ambulance but he said he didn't have his phone and walked off," said Ms Hine. "She had to get her family to help her get to hospital where she was for five days."

Magistrates heard Mrs Hipwell continues to have ongoing treatment and is now frightened to go out with her dogs, one of which has also been left "terrified".

"They are very serious injuries and she has had to have her wrist and hand strapped up at night," said Ms Hine. "It has had a detrimental effect to her welfare and her life has had to change."

Chairman of the bench Mary Blanchard said sentencing should take place at crown court because of the serious injuries caused.

Moss was committed to Carlisle Crown Court for sentencing on November 7.

He remains on unconditional bail and is still in possession of the two dogs.