Jurors will decide whether an imported video showi

Jurors will decide whether an imported video showing two pit bull
terriers literally tearing each other apart in an organised fight
is obscene.

Prosecutor Mr Gregory Treverton-Jones told Southwark
Crown Court: ‘This video is filthy, loathsome and repulsive’.

He added: ‘These fights are real.

They are not simulated or
feigned in any way and they result in serious injuries being
inflicted on at least one of the dogs involved.

The 12 jurors were shown an hour-long video, which was
one of two videos seized by Customs officers after they arrived
in Britain from Malta.

Christopher Grace, 25, a locksmith, of Bowditch, Deptford,
denies importing obscene materials.

The video shown to the jury showed blood spurting from
the necks of the two pit bull terriers during a ferocious
attacking duel staged on a wasteland.

The snarling dogs were seen locking their jaws onto each
other while their owners spurred them on and a circle of men
cheered.

During a second fight on the video, a blood-covered dog
collapsed.

Customs officers intercepted the package containing the
videos last May.

A letter in the package read: ‘Dear Chris, as I promised
I have sent you the videos.

Both videos were filmed by different
men so watch them both and make your choice.

‘
The letter was signed: ‘Your friend in sport, Tony.

‘
Customs officers and the RSPCA searched Grace’s home and
found several pit bull terriers and letters addressed to and
from the defendant’s alleged Maltese contact Antonio Fenech.

One letter indicated Grace was planning to send a pit
bull pup named ‘Champ’ to Malta, the jury heard.

‘Champ has had his injections and the documents are
ready.

I rang Air Malta and it will cost pds stlng 115 to send
him,’ the letter said.

The trial continues and is expected to end on Monday.

ENDS
LINK7500 MBX 5541566U001 3JAN92 13:33/16:02 GMT