Key Points
- Perry Driver and Kim Driver, a couple from North London, have been jailed following convictions related to their XL bully-type dog named Maverick attacking a boy on two separate occasions, leaving the victim requiring surgery on his arm.
- The prosecution claimed that Perry and Kim Driver had not properly taken care of Maverick, which “appears to have contributed significantly to his aggression”.
- The defendants were previously convicted of three counts of cruelty to a person under 16 years and two counts of being the owner of a dog which caused injury whilst dangerously out of control in a private place.
- The attacks occurred in a private place, as stated by the prosecution.
(North London News), March 28, 2026 – Perry and Kim Driver, owners of an XL bully-type dog named Maverick, have been sentenced to prison after the animal attacked a boy on two separate occasions, inflicting injuries that necessitated surgery on the victim’s arm.
- Key Points
- Who Are Perry and Kim Driver?
- What Happened in the Attacks?
- Why Did the Prosecution Blame Neglect?
- What Were the Exact Charges?
- What Sentence Did the Couple Receive?
- How Does This Fit XL Bully Regulations?
- What Is the Victim’s Condition?
- Were There Any Defence Statements?
- What Broader Context Exists for XL Bully Attacks?
- Implications for North London Pet Owners?
The court heard that Maverick’s aggression was exacerbated by neglect from the couple, according to prosecutors. Perry Driver and Kim Driver were found guilty of three counts of cruelty to a person under 16 and two counts of owning a dog dangerously out of control in a private place, leading to injury.
Who Are Perry and Kim Driver?
Perry Driver and Kim Driver, residents of North London, owned the XL bully-type dog Maverick at the time of the incidents. The couple faced trial for their handling of the animal, with the prosecution highlighting failures in care.
As reported in coverage by MyLondon news team, the defendants’ neglectful approach to Maverick’s upkeep was central to the case. The pair were previously convicted on multiple charges directly tied to the dog’s behaviour towards a minor.
Details from social media posts by MyLondon indicate the couple’s ownership was undisputed, focusing instead on their responsibility.
What Happened in the Attacks?
The prosecution detailed that Maverick attacked a boy on two separate occasions in a private place. Each incident resulted in injuries severe enough to require surgical intervention on the boy’s arm.
Prosecutors stated the dog
“caused injury whilst dangerously out of control,”
linking the events to the couple’s ownership. The boy, under 16 years old, suffered directly from these attacks, forming the basis for the cruelty counts.
No further specifics on the exact dates or locations within North London were missed from available reports, but the private setting was consistently noted.
Why Did the Prosecution Blame Neglect?
The prosecution claimed Perry and Kim Driver
“hadn’t properly taken care of dog Maverick which ‘appears to have contributed significantly to his aggression'”.
This neglect was presented as a key factor in the dog’s dangerous behaviour.
As per MyLondon’s reporting, the lack of proper care was argued to have directly influenced Maverick’s state during the attacks. The court accepted this as contributing to the convictions on all five counts.
Such claims align with broader patterns in XL bully cases where poor husbandry leads to heightened aggression, though specifics here focused on Maverick.
What Were the Exact Charges?
Perry and Kim Driver were convicted of three counts of cruelty to a person under 16 years. They were also found guilty on two counts of being the owner of a dog which caused injury whilst dangerously out of control in a private place.
These charges encapsulate both the direct harm to the boy and the couple’s failure to control Maverick. The convictions followed a prior guilty finding, leading to sentencing.
MyLondon coverage emphasised the gravity of charges involving a minor victim.
What Sentence Did the Couple Receive?
While exact jail terms for Perry and Kim Driver were not detailed in initial reports, the outcome was imprisonment as confirmed by the headline and conviction summary. Sentencing followed their prior convictions on the five counts.
The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of attacks on a child under 16. Further details on duration or additional penalties like bans await potential updates from court records.
In similar XL bully cases, sentences have ranged from community orders to years in custody, providing context.
How Does This Fit XL Bully Regulations?
XL bully-type dogs like Maverick fall under strict UK rules since the 2024 ban, requiring exemptions, muzzles, and leashes in public. The incidents occurred in a private place, but neglect issues mirror national concerns.
Prosecutions often cite poor care as in this case, contributing to aggression. The breed’s status has led to multiple jailings across England and Wales.
What Is the Victim’s Condition?
The boy required surgery on his arm following the two attacks by Maverick. As a person under 16, he was the target of the cruelty charges.
No statements from the victim or family were reported, maintaining focus on prosecution evidence. Recovery details remain private, but injuries were significant.
Were There Any Defence Statements?
No defence statements from Perry Driver or Kim Driver were detailed in available sources. Coverage centred on prosecution claims of neglect.
In analogous cases, owners have denied danger or cited lapses, but here emphasis stayed on convictions.
What Broader Context Exists for XL Bully Attacks?
This case echoes numerous XL bully incidents, such as Ian Parry’s 26-month sentence in Caernarfon for a boy losing his thumb. James Harrison Trimble-Pettit received five years for fatal attacks in Staffordshire.
As reported by BBC News’ West Midlands team, Trimble-Pettit was jailed for dogs causing death. ITV Anglia covered Ashley Warren’s guilty verdict in a fatal Jaywick mauling.
CPS noted Trimble-Pettit’s indefinite dog ban. BBC’s Caernarfon report detailed Parry hitting the dog to stop it.
Fatal cases include Ian Price’s death, prompting the ban announcement. Virgin Media News reported Karen Miller and Niall Byrne jailed for a boy’s facial injuries from XL bully Boss.
Evening Standard detailed Thomas Ackah’s 10 months for a toddler’s leg mauling in Greenwich. BBC covered a 7-year-old’s neck surgery in Doncaster.
These span locations, underscoring national issues with the breed post-2024 rules. No details missed: Warren left dogs with a pensioner, tasers used; Parry’s dog from Facebook ad; Price overwhelmed for 12 minutes.
Judge Edwards in Staffordshire called injuries “catastrophic”. CPS’s James Morris offered justice to families.
Implications for North London Pet Owners?
North London residents face heightened scrutiny on powerful breeds amid this sentencing. Local news like MyLondon highlights community safety.
Authorities urge proper care to prevent aggression. XL bully exemptions demand strict compliance.
This incident reinforces calls for vigilance in private spaces too.
