A PRIZED 11-year-old border collie has been spared the death sentence for biting a woman.

But Haslingden pensioner Raymond Ford, who owns Ben the dog and has been left with a criminal conviction following a court case, said: "He is no danger to anyone".

But a judge decided that Ben was "dangerously out of control" when it attacked Annette Patton, from Preston, in King's Highway, Haslingden.

However, District Judge Peter Ward said he did not think the collie, which has won the Kennel Club's prestigious gold certificate for obedience, presented a danger to public safety. Ben could have been facing destruction.

At Burnley Magistrates' Court animal experts for both sides had been unable to say whether the collie or Mrs Patton's mountain dog caused the injury.

The court was told that Ben got involved in a "melee" with Mrs Patton's dog, described as a large, docile and very friendly animal.

Judge Ward was told border collies, said to be among the top four most aggressive breed of dogs, were agile and territorial.

Mrs Patton suffered a 10cm by 10cm wound to her leg. She had to be taken to Preston Royal Infirmary for skin grafts and faces up to three more operations.

The incident happened in October 2005 as she was walking her dog near the Ford's home.

Despite the judge's decision, Mr Ford insisted: "Ben didn't bite her."

Mr Ford, a retired accountant, was fined £250, with £500 costs After the case grandfather-of-two Mr Ford, 72, who lives at King's Highway with wife Dorothy, 67, said that Ben was "completely obedient".

He said: "Ben is a brilliant dog - the best behaved we've ever had.

"The fact that he has won the Kennel Club's top prize shows that he is trained to a very high standard not to bite. He plays with our grandchildren and would not harm anyone.

"This conviction has left me very upset. I now have a criminal conviction. Some people might not think much of that but to me it is devastating."

The court was told Mrs Patton was pursuing damages through civil courts.