A Suffolk dog owner tried to bribe a man who was bitten by his dog into dropping the charges against him, it has been alleged.

Michael Harrison, 32, was at his bedsit in Haverhill in April last year when he was bitten by a dog belonging to Ollie Deeks on a landing, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Mr Harrison had put his arm up to protect his face and was bitten on the wrist by the dog, which was called “Diablo”, said Catherine Bradshaw, prosecuting.

Deeks and another man had tried to pull the dog away and Mr Harrison went to hospital where the wound, which needed 36 stitches, was cleaned.

The wound had become infected and Mr Harrison underwent surgery and spent several weeks in hospital.

Mr Harrison had reported the matter to the police on May 3 last year and made a statement in which he explained what had happened.

Within 48 hours Deeks got to hear about Mr Harrison going to the police and allegedly offered him money in return for him not pursuing the matter.

Mr Harrison ignored the message but had then allegedly received a telephone call from Deeks, using someone else’s phone, in which he allegedly made threats to Mr Harrison about what would happen if he didn’t drop the charges.

The court heard that Deeks was subsequently charged with having a dog that was dangerously out of control and had pleaded guilty.

Deeks, 25, of Fornham Road, Bury St Edmunds, has denied intimidating Mr Harrison by threatening to harm if he didn’t drop the charges against him.

He has also denied attempting to pervert the course of justice by offering Mr Harrison money to drop the charges.

The offences are alleged to have taken place on May 5 last year.

Giving evidence Mr Harrison claimed that Deeks told him to tell the police he had been bitten by another dog and if he didn’t he would have to “look over his shoulder”.

“He told me if I didn’t retract my statement and say it was lies he would get his people after me,” said Mr Harrison.

The trial continues.