Dog attack victim still owed fine from footballer

Former West Ham United footballer Saïd Benrahma pleaded guilty to two counts of owning dangerously out of control dogs in October, but the fine and compensation have not been paid.

The dogs, both XL bullies, escaped from his home in Hornchurch, east London, and attacked a golden retriever called Bailey and his owner Luke Rehbein in July 2023.

Both were injured with Bailey needing vet treatment.

Benrahma was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay Rehbein £2,500 in compensation plus £495 in kennel costs at a hearing at Willesden Magistrates' Court in October. Benrahma appeared via video-link from a car in Saudi Arabia.

More than six months on, Rehbein says he has yet to receive any of the compensation.

Remembering the dog attack, Rehbein said: "They came out of nowhere, the only thing on my mind was to get these dogs off Bailey.

"Bailey got bitten everywhere and I also got bitten on my arm as well. They didn't have any collars on.

"We had to take Bailey to the vet straight away and I had to go to the hospital as well," he said.

Speaking about the lack of compensation Rehbein said: "I think it just shows that he doesn't care and he hasn't had the common decency to pay the fine.

"It shows a complete lack of respect for everyone involved and even to date I still haven't received an apology," he said.

The Courts and Tribunal Service has said no payments have been received.

It said: "We are doing all that we can to recover the money owed."

Rehbein says the experience has left him feeling frustrated.

"If someone has pleaded guilty or if they are found guilty and if the issue is a fine, then in my opinion they should pay the fine during the court proceedings.

"In this case the courts have been chasing Benrahma to pay the fine; I think it shows how outdated the system is," he said.

The Courts and Tribunals Service responded to the criticism by saying: "We do everything possible to make sure criminals pay what they owe to victims – including taking money from an offender's salary – and they can face jail for non-payment. "

Benrahma joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020 and scored 24 goals in 155 games for the club.

He later transferred to Lyon and then to his current team Neom in Saudi Arabia. He also plays for the Algerian national team.

He has been approached for comment.

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