A self-styled drill rapper has told a court he was not 'in charge' of two XL Bully dogs that mauled a grandmother to death in his own home. Ashley Warren, aged 41, made an appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court today, where he has previously entered not guilty pleas to two serious charges concerning the animals, identified in legal documents as Beauty and Bear.
Fatal Attack on Retired Tesco Worker
The dogs were responsible for the death of 68-year-old Esther Martin on the 3rd of February, 2024. Ms Martin, a retired Tesco employee, sustained what were described by authorities as 'unsurvivable injuries' during the horrific incident, which occurred within Mr Warren's residence in Jaywick, Essex.
Warren has formally denied being the owner of a dog—specifically an XL Bully named Bear—that caused injury resulting in death while being dangerously out of control in a private place. He has also denied a separate charge of being in charge of another XL Bully, named Beauty, under the same dangerous circumstances leading to fatal injury.
Legal Defence Under Scrutiny
The court heard that Warren's defence hinges on his belief that Esther Martin was 'a fit and proper person' to be in charge of the dog he owned. Mr Justice Johnson explicitly instructed the jury on this point, stating: 'It is not in dispute that Mr Warren was the owner of the XL Bully called Bear and that it was dangerously out of control and injured Esther Martin causing her death.'
However, the judge clarified the legal position, adding: 'But it is a defence to the charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act if a dog was left in the charge of a person who the defendant believed to be a fit and proper person to be in charge of the dog. You have to decide whether Mr Warren reasonably believed that Esther Martin was a fit and proper person to be in charge of the dog called Bear.'
Details of the Incident and Aftermath
In relation to the dog named Beauty, Mr Justice Johnson informed the jury that there is again no dispute about the animal's involvement in the fatal attack. Warren, however, is contesting that he was 'in charge' of Beauty at the relevant time.
The medical cause of death for Esther Martin was officially recorded as 'dog bite wounds to the upper right limb'. Following the attack, two large dogs were destroyed at the scene by responding officers. Essex Police later confirmed that these animals were XL Bullies, a breed subject to increasing legal scrutiny and regulation.
Court Appearance and Additional Charge
Ashley Warren appeared in the glass-fronted dock sporting extensive tattoos on his face, hands, and neck. He was attired in a loose-fitting black leather-style jacket with a fur-style lining.
The defendant also faces a third, unrelated charge. He denies possessing a knife at Clacton railway station on the same day as the fatal dog attack, February 3rd. Regarding this charge, Mr Justice Johnson told jurors: 'Mr Warren accepts that he had the knife with him. The issue for you to decide is whether he is likely to have had a legal or lawful excuse for having a knife with him.'
The trial, which is anticipated to last for up to five weeks, was adjourned and is scheduled to resume on Monday. Proceedings are ongoing as the court examines the complex circumstances surrounding this tragic case.
