Pensioner with Mobility Issues Left in Charge of 10 XL Bullies Before Fatal Mauling, Court Hears
A pensioner with significant mobility limitations was left in charge of 10 XL bully dogs before she was fatally mauled, a court has been told. Ashley Warren, 41, is on trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, accused of owning or being in charge of two XL bully dogs that killed 68-year-old Esther Martin.
Details of the Incident
Warren left Ms Martin with two adult dogs, named Beauty and Bear, and eight puppies at his home on Hillman Avenue in Jaywick, Essex, on 3 February 2024. Prosecutors stated that Warren had asked Ms Martin, who stood at 5ft 3in, to look after the dogs so he could travel to London to film a music video.
During the trial, prosecutor Chris Paxton KC described Ms Martin as having "restricted" movement due to a hip replacement, arthritis, and a limp. He argued it was a "ludicrous suggestion" to consider her a "fit and proper person" to control the dogs, given her physical condition.
Characteristics of the Dogs
The court heard that the combined weight of the pack was between 180kg to 190kg, equivalent to about 26 to 28 stone. Paxton characterized the dogs as "unpredictable, towering, muscular" animals, with the two adult dogs weighing 39kg and 47kg, and each puppy between 10kg to 12kg.
He emphasized that Warren had known Ms Martin for over 12 years and would have been aware of her mobility issues, stating there was "no basis" to believe she could "physically stop the dogs."
Ferocity of the Attack
The prosecutor detailed the severity of the attack, noting that police officers were unable to enter the home until they deployed Tasers and shields. Ms Martin sustained at least 60 mostly dog-related injuries before her death. Additionally, it was revealed that the animals had not been walked for four weeks prior to the incident.
Legal Context and Charges
The attack occurred just two days after the government made it a criminal offence to own an XL bully in England and Wales without a certificate of exemption. Warren, now of Addlestone, Surrey, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges:
- Being the owner of a dog named Bear, which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place.
- Being a person in charge of a dog named Beauty, which did the same.
- Possessing a bladed article without good reason or lawful authority at Clacton railway station on 3 February 2024.
During Monday's hearing, Warren sat in the dock with his head bowed. The trial continues as the court examines the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
