'I CAN'T EAT OR TALK'

Torment of pensioner who has almost lost the use of her jaw since a neighbour’s Akita dog ripped apart her face

Carl Stroud

Published: 10:42, 5 Aug 2016
Updated: 21:08, 6 Aug 2016

A PENSIONER mauled by her neighbour’s dog still can’t eat or talk properly a month after the attack.

Sylvia Baillie has been left scarred for life after she was set upon by the American Akita.

Sylivia has told how she has barely been able to eat since the horror attack — Sylivia has told how she has barely been able to eat since the horror attackCredit: Daily Record

The 60-year-old is yet to regain feeling in her lips and doctors fear she won’t recover from the nerve damage in her cheek.

Stitches were used to hold her face together after the horror attack at a neighbour’s house in Paisley, reports the .

Sylvia, 60, said: “It’s just been awful. I want to be able to go out and do my own shopping but I’m too self-conscious.

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“Part of my lip is numb and I can’t eat or talk properly. I’m still eating custard and soups.”

Two dogs 'dragged' for miles on leads from windows of 4x4 with children inside

Specialists have told Sylvia it may take a year for her face to recover properly.

Her brother Steven, 56, said: ”Sylvia has lost a lot of weight because she can’t eat and has to drink through a straw.

Doctors fear Sylvia will not recover from the nerve damage in her cheek — Doctors fear Sylvia will not recover from the nerve damage in her cheekCredit: Daily Record

“This week, a consultant told her they were not sure if the muscle down one side of her face is repairable.

“Weeks after the attack, she has been left with her life upside down. It’s awful that she has had to go through this.”

After Sylvia was attacked, police seized the dog and a report was sent to the procurator fiscal.

At Paisley Sheriff Court, Patrick Maher, 46, and Leeanne McHugh, 35, made no plea to offences under the Dangerous Dog Act and were released on bail.

Sylvia, pictured before the attack, says she has become too self-conscious to leave the house — Sylvia, pictured before the attack, says she has become too self-conscious to leave the houseCredit: Daily Record

The case before Sheriff Susan Sinclair was committed for further examination.

Last night The Scottish Crown and Prosecution service confirmed that dates for a further hearing are yet to be set.

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