Gary Stevens, 54, pleaded guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act of being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

The breed was not mentioned during the hearing at Derby Crown Court today.

Wayne Stevens, 51, was attacked at a house in Cameron Road, Derby, during the early hours of 22 April.

The dog was "destroyed at the scene" due to "presenting a risk to officers and the public", Derbyshire Police said at the time.

Prosecutor Julia King told the court: "I would argue that this was high culpability.

"I would argue that the behaviour witnessed by a number of witnesses can be relied upon to inform the court as to the circumstances which in fact led to the death."

Defending Stevens, Tony Stanford told the court it was "an extremely upsetting incident for him to witness and be a part of".

"He tried to pull the dog off his brother, to save his brother," he said.

"He bears considerable psychological guilt."

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Adjourning proceedings, Judge Shaun Smith KC told Stevens: "You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence.

"Prison is the most likely option, it is just a question of how long.

"But I will give you bail in the meantime, so you can put your affairs in order."

Stevens will be sentenced at the same court on 3 November.