A Mildenhall man has admitted being in charge of dog that bit a woman's face in a "horrific" incident.

The victim bent down to tie a shoelace and the dog - a Cane Corso called Romeo - bit her and made her bleed, the court heard today.

Paul Ribeiro, of Clare Close in Mildenhall, appeared at Suffolk Magistrates Court on Friday.

He was accused of being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control, causing injury.

The court heard how the victim was a guest who had met the dog a few times before, and felt comfortable around it, according to defence solicitor Mr Langton.

She bent down to tie her shoelace and the dog bit her face, causing "a lot of pain and bleeding", said Mr Bryant, prosecuting.

He added that there are pictures of the injuries, showing the effects of a "horrific" and "unpleasant" incident.

The woman appears to have made a "full recovery" since the dog bite, on April 17 last year, and there does not seem to be any lasting scars, the court heard.

Ribeiro accepted responsibility for the charge, which "appeared to be a one-off", Mr Bryant said.

An expert report has been requested to determine whether the dog is a danger to public safety.

Romeo is currently being housed in kennels but the owners are requesting to take back the dog.

Paul Ribeiro pleaded guilty to the charge of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

Ribeiro was granted unconditional bail to next appear at Ipswich Crown Court on March 10.