Full Breakdown
Saïd Benrahma Convicted for Dangerous Dog Attack; Compensation Remains Unpaid
4/27/2026, 11:01:00 AM
Incident Overview and Legal Outcome
In July 2023, two XL bully dogs escaped from the Hornchurch, east London, residence of former West Ham United footballer Saïd Benrahma. The dogs attacked a golden retriever named Bailey and its owner, Luke Rehbein, causing injuries that required veterinary treatment for the dog. Benrahma pleaded guilty in October 2023 to two counts of owning dangerously out-of-control dogs.
Key Parties and Animals
- Saïd Benrahma – former West Ham United player, defendant.
- Luke Rehbein – owner of the injured golden retriever, claimant.
- Bailey – the golden retriever victim.
- Two XL bully dogs – classified as dangerously out-of-control under UK law.
- Willesden Magistrates’ Court – venue of the hearing.
Legal Classification of the Dogs
The two XL bully dogs were found to be “dangerously out-of-control” under UK law, a designation that imposes criminal liability on owners who fail to restrain such animals.
Chronology of the Case
- July 2023 – Dogs escape and attack Bailey and Rehbein in Hornchurch.
- October 2023 – Benrahma appears via video-link from a car in Saudi Arabia, pleads guilty, and receives a court sentence.
- April 2024 (? six months later) – Rehbein reports that none of the ordered compensation has been received.
Financial Penalties and Compensation Details
The court ordered Benrahma to pay a £10,000 fine for the offences. He was also required to provide £2,500 in compensation to Rehbein and £495 for kennel costs incurred after the incident, bringing the total financial liability to £12,995.
Data Summary
The case involved two dogs, two criminal counts, a £10,000 fine, £2,500 compensation, and £495 kennel costs, totaling £12,995 in penalties imposed by the magistrates’ court.
Official Court Orders
The court formally recorded the guilty pleas and stipulated payment of the fine, compensation, and kennel costs. The order noted Benrahma’s appearance by video-link from Saudi Arabia.
Criticism Over Unpaid Compensation
Luke Rehbein has publicly stated that, despite the court’s order, he has not received any of the £2,500 compensation or the £495 kennel-cost reimbursement. The delay has been highlighted as a failure to enforce the court’s financial award against the defendant.
Unresolved Payment and Information Gaps
As of the latest report, no publicly available information confirms whether Benrahma has begun or completed the required payments. The article does not detail any enforcement actions taken by authorities to recover the outstanding sums.
Implications for Dangerous Dog Enforcement
The case demonstrates the application of legal penalties for owners of dogs deemed dangerously out-of-control under UK legislation. It underscores the judiciary’s willingness to impose substantial fines and compensation while revealing challenges in ensuring compliance with court-ordered payments by individuals residing abroad.
