A man who was severely injured after being attacked by a police dog today said he is to sue for damages.
Shane Dimaio (20) claims he was unable to walk for a month after the dog sunk its teeth into his right calf.
Mr Dimaio says the incident happened after he was riding on a moped without a helmet on a lane.
His behaviour led to him being followed by police.
He got off the moped and started to run from the scene when the dog was released.
Mr Dimaio said that he feared for his life as the dog grabbed him.
"I thought I was going to die, I've never been so terrified in my life," said Mr Dimaio, of Sleaford Road, Branston, near Lincoln.
"The pain was so bad and blood was spurting out. The dog had clamped onto my leg and was actually dragging me along the road with its teeth.
"The policeman was screaming at the dog to pull off, but it wouldn't. Then he rammed his baton into its jaws and twisted its head off my leg.
"But the dog ripped a massive chunk out of my calf at the same time."
He now claims his job prospects are limited and his confidence is affected due to pain and disfiguring scarring.
Lincolnshire Police have denied liability. Mr Dimaio has not been charged with a criminal offence.
He has instructed Lincoln-based Ringrose Law Group to file a personal injuries claim.
The former Branston Community College pupil said that he and a friend had been riding on a moped from Branston to Bracebridge Heath, along Thackers Lane, when the incident took place in February 2003.
"We'd just reached the junction with the A15 when a police van drove past," said Mr Dimaio.
"My mate turned round and sped off back down the lane because he knew we'd get stopped.
"Then we got off the bike and started running - I was 17 and I didn't want to get into trouble.
"I heard the van door open and the dog pounding towards me. I just froze and held my hands up - then it hit me."
Mr Dimaio says he spent five days in hospital and was unable to walk for a month.
"Now I can't stand or walk for long periods without pain. The scarring bothers me - I'll never show my legs again," he said.
"I do the odd factory job for agencies, but I really struggle - I worry that I'll never get a decent job."
Rachel Barringham, of Ringrose Solicitors, which is based in Silver Street, Lincoln, said: "Medical evidence is being prepared and we will claim for personal injury."
Police spokesman Dick Holmes confirmed that the dog had now retired and said: "We are repudiating Mr Dimaio's claims."
Lincolnshire Police train their dogs for 12 weeks. They have 16 days of refresher training a year.
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