A young girl had to receive speech therapy as a result of being bitten by a dog, it has been claimed before the High Court.
Melissa Jolley (11), suing through her mother Deirdre Jolley, now living in Australia but formerly of Shanliss Road, Santry, Dublin, has claimed against the proprietors of holiday rental accommodation, Patrick and Kathleen Brennan, Green Meadow Farm, Red Cross, Co Wicklow.
It is claimed that the Jolley family was staying at the Brennans's accommodation on January 25th, 2001, when Melissa, then aged five, was suddenly and without warning bitten by a dog, Sam, owned by the defendants.
It is claimed that, as a result of that incident, the child suffered severe personal injury, loss and damage and that the defendants were negligent in the management, care and control of the dog.
Melissa's lower lip was torn and she had a laceration near her right eye. She had to undergo surgery and was detained for two nights in hospital.
The court was told she was extremely traumatised by the incident and was upset by the sight of dogs ever since. It is also claimed that, since the incident, the child has suffered from a moderately severe hesitancy in her speech and was awaiting speech therapy.
The defendants deny the claims.
In evidence yesterday Deirdre Jolley told Mr Justice Kevin Feeney that, while attending school in Australia, Melissa was bullied and they had to remove her to another school.
Cross-examined by Anthony Kidney SC, for the Brennans, Ms Jolley said she had no knowledge whatsoever of any member of the family telling a doctor that their daughter had a stammer prior to the alleged incident involving Sam.
The hearing continues today.