Rapper Convicted After Banned XL Bullies Kill Grandmother in Essex Home
An aspiring rapper faces imprisonment after his XL bully dogs mauled a grandmother to death while she was caring for the animals in his Essex residence. Ashley Warren, 41, was found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court for his role in the tragic incident that claimed the life of 68-year-old Esther Martin.
Tragic Incident Days After Breed Ban
The fatal attack occurred on February 3, 2024, merely two days after XL bullies were officially banned throughout the United Kingdom. Warren had left Martin alone with ten dogs—two adult XL bullies and eight puppies—at his Jaywick property while he traveled to London to film a music video.
Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC described the situation as "a tragedy waiting to happen," highlighting the stark contrast between Martin's physical limitations and the dogs' formidable power. The grandmother, who stood just 5 feet 3 inches tall, had undergone hip replacement surgery and suffered from arthritis, significantly restricting her mobility.
Police Confront Frenzied Dogs
Emergency services responding to the scene encountered such ferocity from the animals that officers equipped with riot shields had to deploy tasers before safely entering the property. One officer reported the dogs were "in a frenzied state" and posed such danger that police believed they "were at risk of death or serious injury" if they attempted entry without subduing the animals first.
Medical examination revealed Martin sustained "dozens and dozens" of bite wounds during the attack, including one injury that "completely fractured" her arm. The court heard the combined weight of the dog pack ranged between 180kg and 190kg—approximately 26 to 28 stone—described by the prosecutor as "not of static Roman statues but living, writhing, fighting dogs."
Courtroom Revelations and Convictions
Warren was convicted of being the owner of an XL bully named Bear that caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place. He was also found guilty of being in charge of another XL bully called Beauty that similarly injured Martin, though he was cleared of additional charges related to that specific dog.
During the trial, jurors viewed Ring doorbell footage from days before the attack showing Warren struggling to control one of the adult dogs after it escaped. This visual evidence prompted the prosecutor to question: "If the defendant struggled, how would the 5ft 3in 68-year-old Esther Martin cope with these XL bully dogs?"
Defendant's Testimony and Financial Constraints
Warren testified that he "never thought in a million years" his "loving, friendly" dogs would attack anyone, insisting they "weren't raised to attack or bite." He expressed shock at the incident, stating: "I never seen this coming in a million years. I would never have left Esther with the dogs if I thought they were dangerous."
When questioned about why he hadn't complied with legal requirements to muzzle and leash the banned breed, Warren cited financial constraints, explaining he was on Personal Independence Payment benefits and needed to save for such items. The prosecutor noted that muzzles cost approximately £20, while Warren's train ticket to London that day was £40.
Additional Weapons Charge
In a separate but related matter, Warren was convicted of possessing a bladed article without good reason or lawful authority at Clacton railway station on the day of the attack. He claimed the knife was a prop for the music video he was filming in London, but the court rejected this defense.
The case has reignited discussions about dangerous dog legislation and enforcement, particularly regarding the XL bully ban that took effect just before this tragic incident. Warren now awaits sentencing for his convictions related to the fatal dog attack and weapons charge.
