Dog attack victim still owed fine from footballer
Former West Ham star Said Benrahma was fined following a dog attack, but no money has yet been paid.
Saïd Benrahma played for West Ham from 2020 to 2024, before moving abroad to continue his footballing career [Reuters] 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.
Saïd Benrahma includes photos of himself with his dogs on his Instagram profile [Said Benrahma / Instagram] 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.