A Lincoln County couple received suspended jail sentences Mondayfor an attack by their pitbull dog on a neighborhood boy in July,according to circuit court records.

Matthew and Sandra McDaniel, of 1216 Gleason Loop, pleadedguilty to simple assault Monday in connection with the summerincident.

In the attack, six-year-old Anfernee Clair lost part of his leftear and was bitten on both arms and his upper body, but theinjuries were not life-threatening. The dog had broken away fromits chain, authorities said.

The McDaniels had been indicted on aggravated assault charges bythe grand jury. However, those charges were reduced to simpleassault during a plea agreement that was in accordance with thevictim’s family’s wishes, said Assistant District Attorney DianeJones.

“The dog destroyed and medical bills paid were all the victimswanted,” Jones said.

The dog was euthanized Friday by a local veterinarian. Asordered by Judge Mike Smith, the death was verified by LanceFalvey, the sheriff’s department investigator who handled the caseoriginally.

Jones said the victim’s family members did not testify duringMonday’s court activity, but were aware of the sentencingrecommendation.

“They didn’t want any other children attacked, and that will nothappen,” Jones said.

Smith sentenced to the McDaniels to six months in jail suspendedfor five years good behavior probation.

They were ordered to pay $500 fines and $347 in medical billrestitution to the boy’s mother, Sonya Clair, or to the stateChildren’s Health Insurance Program. Smith also ordered that theMcDaniels may not own a pitbull, Rottweiler or German police dogduring their probation periods.

In other court action Monday, six defendants pleaded guilty tomisdemeanor bad check charges. They received six-month sentences,suspended for two years probation, and ordered to pay $100fines.