A Waitrose worker was horrified to be attacked by an un-muzzled Rottweiler rescued from a "last chance" pooch centre just weeks before.

Peter Thomas, 43, of Holly Lane West, Banstead, appeared at South East Surrey Magistrates’ Court today charged with being the owner of a dog which was "dangerously out of control causing injury".

Last September, Thomas took his large Rottweiler-cross dog for a walk in Banstead High Street when he jumped on and bit Karen Mulver at about 7.50pm.

Ms Mulver, who was working in the unloading bay of the Waitrose store, said the dog bounded over to her in a "completely unprovoked attack", biting her and leaving her right arm bleeding and swollen.

She was taken to A&E where she was given antibiotics for her arm.

Thomas, who appeared in court clean-shaven and wearing a suit, pleaded guilty to the crime.

The prosecutor told the court: "The victim says she could see a male stood on the edge of the pavement. She says the male had a dog with a lead.

"She says the dog leapt and bit her right arm and pierced her skin leaving two distinct teeth marks.

"She said ‘I pulled my arm up and away from the dog. My arm started to bleed.’

"She says the man pulled on the lead and got the dog away from her and she heard the man say ‘Oh sorry’."

In a statement read out to the magistrates, Ms Mulvey said: "I have concerns the dog might attack someone again, maybe a child.

"The dog should be made to wear a muzzle."

The prosecutor said Thomas said his Rottweiler’s behaviour was "unusual" and he jumped at Ms Mulver "as he was being protective of him".

The court heard how Thomas bought the dog from a "last chance dog centre" one month before the attack and the owner believes the dog may have been mistreated in the past.

The prosecutor said Thomas said he had been told the dog had to be muzzled when he was taken to the vet, but not when out in public.

He said he would no longer be walking the dog in the town and would be taking it for extra dog training lessons.

Thomas also signed a dog control order with the police in November which stated the Rottweiler had to be held securely on a lead and be muzzled in public.

In Thomas’ defence, the court was told his dog was not in good health or likely to live a very long life and that he said the woman appeared to come over to him when the dog jumped up on her.

Thomas was handed a £60 fine by the magistrates, asked to pay £85 in court costs, a £20 surcharge and £100 to Ms Mulvey in compensation.

The magistrates also made an order that the dog should be kept muzzled at all times in any public place.