A man has been charged with having two dogs dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in the death of an elderly woman.

Lucille Downer, aged 85, died following injuries sustained from these dogs in her rear garden in Boundary Avenue in Rowley Regis on Friday 2 April 2021.

Although a family member and neighbours rushed to her aid, she was sadly confirmed dead at the scene soon afterwards.

Darren Pritchard aged 44 from Merrivale Road, Smethwick, will appear before Dudley magistrates on 21 March. He has also been charged with possession with intent to supply and production of cannabis.

The ownership of two dogs was voluntarily transferred to police at the time of the incident. Following specialist advice it was established the dogs could never be rehomed due to the violent act and they were humanely destroyed.

Lucille’s family have been informed of the latest development.