A man has been warned he faces jail, after his bulldog bit off a woman's nipple.

Jason Szukalski's American bulldog attacked the woman on South Avenue, Southend.

It leapt up and sank its teeth into her breast, leaving her in pain and needing emergency treatment.

She now faces cosmetic surgery to repair the damage inflicted last October.

In a statement read out in court, the 58-year-old woman said: "It looked like a lovely dog, but within seconds, it made its way to me. I took a step back, but it leapt up and bit me."

She was rushed to Southend Hospital, where doctors operated on her extensive wounds.

Szukalski, 36, of South Avenue, Southend, admitted being in charge of a dog which was dangerously out of control.

District Judge Kevin Gray adjourned sentencing Szukalski until February 21, pending probation reports.

He granted unconditional bail, but warned the defendant he could still go to jail.

He explained: "If you have a dog of this nature, it is your responsibility.

"They are fighting dogs. I know they are not illegal, but it is not exactly a poodle, is it?"