A sheriff has ordered the destruction of a Mastiff cross named Koos after it bit a musician in the face in a terrifying street attack in Aberdeen.

Its owner, Amal Armstrong, 28, has been banned from owning dogs for five years after it attacked two people on Littlejohn Street on April 21 last year.

Musician Craig John Davidson had just finished performing at the Spin record shop when the 28-year-old’s dog lunged at him outside the venue.

He was left with cuts to his jaw which required internal and external stitches and took four months to heal.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court was told yesterday that during his recovery he struggled to eat and sleep due to the pain and became anxious about leaving his home.

Fiscal depute Katy Begg previously told Aberdeen Sheriff Court that Koos’ first victim that day worked at Spin.

He was approached by Armstrong at about 3pm who asked for some water for her dog.

The employee brought a bowl of water outside and placed it next to the dog, which was tied to a lamppost.

However, as the staff member petted the animal it “lunged” towards him, while Armstrong shouted “no”.

The dog was brought under control momentarily and forced to sit down – but it managed to bite the Spin employee on his right arm.

The staff member was left with bruises but did not require medical attention.

Solicitor Tony Burgess, referring to a report, said: “I think it’s fairly clear that, on the face of it, a destruction order appears to be the appropriate disposal in relation to Koos.

“There’s a definite feel within the report that Koos poses an extremely high risk of doing the same thing again.”

He did add, however, that Koos’ behaviour could be controlled “with the appropriate training”.

And he said his client hoped to move to the countryside, where the animal would pose less of a risk to the public.

Armstrong, of Claremont Street, Aberdeen, pled guilty to two charges of being the owner of a dog that was dangerously out of control.

Sheriff Morag McLaughlin said: “I consider that I have no choice but to order the destruction of Koos. It isn’t the dog’s fault. Who knows what it is about the dog’s experiences to date that has caused him to be the way he is?”

She ordered Armstrong to pay £500 compensation to Mr Davidson and £350 to Koos’ second victim.

Armstrong must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. She will be supervised by social workers for 14 months.