David Garside was at the 27-year-old’s bedside along with her four children, sister, mum and grandparents when she was declared dead after being savaged by her boyfriend’s two American pit bull terriers.
And the family’s anguish grew yesterday when they discovered epileptic Emma - who suffered serious face and head injuries - was pregnant with her fifth child.
Former soldier David, 23, spoke as a 33-year-old man, believed to be Emma’s boyfriend Lee Horner, was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Weeping David said: “I want to thank the police and hospital for all they did for us. They kept her alive long enough for us to say goodbye.
"When we were led into the room I would not wish what we saw on anyone. The state she was in with stitches and black eyes. But underneath I saw Emma relaxed and at peace.
"I said, ‘Sleep well big sis.’ She managed to bring the whole family together which was her big wish.”
Emma was attacked at her home in Leeds on Monday afternoon.
She was alone with the dogs, which are now in kennels waiting for tests to establish their breed. It is not known if she knew she was pregnant.
The Government has announced new laws to tackle savage dogs after the Mirror launched a campaign earlier this year for tighter controls.
From next year irresponsible owners could face up to two years in jail if their pets attack on private property.
David backed the campaign. He said: “The law should change immediately, whether its private property or not you should still be responsible for your dogs’ actions.
"I would also like to see the law toughened up on people who breed dogs like this. I would not want anyone to go through the hell we have.”
A family statement added: “We are all deeply upset at Emma’s death, not just because she has been taken from us so suddenly but because of the horrific circumstances and the fact she was on her own at the time she was injured.
“We are grateful to everyone who has sent messages of sympathy and support.”
David also paid an emotional tribute to his sister, who he described as “a big bubble”.
He said: “Once she popped there was no stopping her. Everybody she touched held on to a memory of her. If things got a bit dull she would liven them up. She was my wonderful big sister.”
Lee, who lived with Emma, was also at the hospital to say his goodbyes.
Investigation chief Det Supt Simon Beldon said: “Early indications are the two dogs seized are American pit bull terriers although tests are still ongoing to establish that.”
The dogs are legal here but subject to restrictions. They must be neutered, insured, muzzled and kept on a lead at all times in public.
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| Emma’s boyfriend Lee Horner |
Relatives of other dog attack victims last night backed the call to toughen up the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Michael Anderson’s stepdaughter Jade Lomas-Anderson, 14, was killed by Beverley Concannon’s dogs at Atherton, Greater Manchester this year.
Concannon escaped jail.
Michael, 34, said: “Something has to be done to stop this from happening again. Four people have now died this year.”
(Mirror.co.uk - Dec 11, 2013)
is that the ugly killer?
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