Love Island star freed in dangerous dog case

PA Media

Former Love Island winner Jack Fincham has been released from prison within hours of being sentenced for dangerous dog offences.

The 32-year-old's black cane corso bit a runner in September 2022 in Swanley in Kent and attacked a woman in Grays in Essex last year.

Fincham, of Swanley, pleaded guilty to two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog and was sentenced to six weeks in prison at Southend Magistrates' Court.

But the court admin office told the BBC he had been released on the same day, because he had appealed his sentence.

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Fincham worked as a pen salesman, but won the popular ITV dating show in 2018 after coupling up with Dani Dyer.

The pair split up nine months after being crowned winners.

Prosecutor Erin Peck said the runner, Robert Sudell, initially accepted an apology over the incident and Fincham was going to be cautioned and would engage in a responsible dog ownership course. He was told at the time that his dog - named Elvis - must be muzzled.

But he was instead charged after the second incident in Grays, Essex, in June last year.

Essex Police said a woman in her 40s reported that a dog grabbed her leg in Culford Road. She was uninjured.

Fincham was ordered to pay £3,680 in total, including a £2,000 contribution to kennelling costs, a fine of £961 and £200 compensation to Mr Sudell.

Richard Cooper, for Fincham, said his client "has no savings".

But presiding magistrate Anne Wade said he could pay in instalments starting at £400 per month.

She made an order that the dog must be muzzled in public places, be kept on a lead and not be left alone with anyone under the age of 16.

Fincham was subject to a suspended sentence order for an unrelated driving matter at the time of the incident in Swanley - and Ms Wade said this order was being taken into account in her sentencing.

"The dog was in a public place not abiding by the conditions to be muzzled and kept on a lead," added Ms Wade.

He gave a thumbs up as he was led to the cells and a woman wept from the public gallery.

Speaking after sentencing, Sgt Alex Watkins of Essex Police said: "On both occasions the owner was given a chance to rectify their behaviour with words of advice and a conditional caution - however failed to do so, resulting in this sentencing.

"I thank both victims for their courage during this investigation."