AN American bulldog called Princess who bit a woman twice will not be put down and can be returned to her owner.

Anthony Abel, of Tedder Square, Widnes, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to owning a dog dangerously out of control and injuring someone.

The court was told on New Year's Day 2017, a female friend visited Abel at his house.

The pair began to argue because she had turned up later than planned and Abel moved his arms around in the kitchen.

David Polglase, prosecuting, said: "The victim said she was not really paying attention to Princess the dog but said the defendant was animated with his voice and arms.

"She didn't argue back and she didn't understand why he was kicking off.

"She felt a pull to her left leg and saw the dog had its mouth around her calve and was wriggling its head."

The woman attempted to get away by lifting herself onto the kitchen worktop but the dog did not let go.

Thirty-four-year-old Abel managed to pull Princess away.

The terrified woman ran out of the house but the dog followed and managed to bite her right ankle.

At 4.40pm the following day, the woman went to Whiston Hospital where she received treatment for puncture wounds and was kept in overnight.

She has been left with permanent scarring and is very uncomfortable around dogs.

Princess, the American bulldog, was taken away and has been kept in kennels since.

Mr Jones, defending, said: "The incident happened in a secure dwelling and there is nothing more stable for a dog to live in than a house.

"Abel's main consideration is the dog, he is a fit and proper person to look after a dog this was an isolated incident."

An expert dog handler assessed Princess as having a 'nervous bark'.

Jones added: "There was no warning the dog was going to bite, its natural instinct was to chase the woman."

Abel was handed a two-year community order and must adhere to conditions otherwise the dog faces being put down.

He must also pay £6,500 in kennel fees.