Man Denies Being in Charge of XL Bullies That Killed Grandmother
A man has denied being 'in charge' of two XL Bullies that fatally mauled a grandmother at his home, as a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court hears the details of the tragic incident. Aspiring rapper Ashley Warren, 41, has admitted owning one of the dogs involved in the attack but disputes ownership and control of the other.
Fatal Attack on Retired Tesco Worker
Esther Martin, a 68-year-old retired Tesco worker from Woodford Green in east London, was killed on February 3, 2024, at Warren's former residence in Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. Police responding to the scene found Ms Martin unresponsive with what were described as 'unsurvivable injuries'. Two large dogs were destroyed at the location and later identified by Essex Police as XL Bullies.
The medical cause of death was officially recorded as 'dog bite wounds to the upper right limb'. Ms Martin was visiting Warren's home at the time of the attack, which has sparked renewed discussions about dangerous dog breeds and owner responsibility.
Legal Arguments and Defence Claims
Warren faces charges related to the incident, including being the owner of an XL Bully named Bear that injured Ms Martin and caused her death while dangerously out of control in a private place. Mr Justice Johnson informed the jury that while it is not disputed that Warren owned Bear and that the dog was dangerously out of control, there is a defence under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The defence argues that if a dog is left in charge of a person whom the defendant reasonably believed to be a fit and proper person, it can provide a legal defence. Warren claims he believed Ms Martin was such a person to be in charge of Bear. The jury must decide whether this belief was reasonable under the circumstances.
Additionally, Warren has denied being in charge of another XL Bully named Beauty, which also injured Ms Martin and contributed to her death while dangerously out of control in a public place. The court heard there is no dispute that Beauty was involved in the fatal attack, but Warren contests that he was 'in charge' of this dog at the time.
Further Charges and Court Proceedings
Warren also faces a third charge of possessing a knife at Clacton railway station on February 3. He accepts having the knife but argues there may have been a lawful excuse for carrying it, an issue the jury will need to consider. During the trial, Warren appeared in the dock wearing a loose-fitting black leather-style jacket with a fur-style lining, notable for his tattooed face, hands, and neck.
Mr Justice Johnson warned the jury of eight women and four men not to discuss the case outside of deliberations or conduct independent research, emphasising that some evidence presented is 'likely to be distressing'. Measures have been taken to present images of Ms Martin in a pixilated and minimally distressing manner.
The trial, expected to last up to five weeks, was adjourned until Monday, when prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC is set to open the case. Warren's address was initially given as Leyton in east London, but the court heard he has since moved to Surrey.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about dangerous dog legislation and public safety, as the community awaits the outcome of the legal proceedings.
