The trial of Tauranga woman accused of attacking her sister and actively encouraging her pitbull puppy to join in the attack has been aborted.
The victim, Liz Smith, suffered horrific injuries with tears to her scalp, ears, nose and lips that required surgery.
Judge Peter Rollo declared a mistrial for
Welcome Bay woman Phillipa Bayley, 54, in Tauranga District Court late yesterday afternoon on day one of her three-day trial.
The mistrial was declared as the jury began hearing evidence from Ms Smith.
Bayley had denied one count of caused grievous bodily harm with the intention of causing grievous bodily harm - a charge which attracts a maximum sentence of 14 years prison.
