Rapper's XL Bullies Kill Grandmother in 'Tragedy Waiting to Happen'
An aspiring rapper whose two XL bully dogs mauled a grandmother to death had previously told police officers he believed poodles were a more aggressive breed than his own animals, Chelmsford Crown Court has heard. The case centres on the death of 68-year-old Esther Martin, who was fatally attacked by the dogs while left in charge of them at the defendant's home in Jaywick, Essex.
Fatal Attack Amidst New Ban
The mauling occurred on February 3, 2024, just two days after it became a criminal offence to own an XL bully in England and Wales without an exemption certificate. Ashley Warren, 41, had not obtained certificates for any of the ten dogs—two adults named Beauty and Bear, along with eight puppies—present at his Hillman Avenue property, jurors were informed.
Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC stated that Warren had asked Ms Martin, who stood at 5ft 3in, to mind the animals so he could travel to London to film a music video. This request was made despite her mobility issues, lack of dog training experience, and minimal familiarity with being left alone with the powerful breed for extended periods.
'Dozens and Dozens' of Injuries
Hours after her arrival, Ms Martin sustained extensive injuries described by the court as "dozens and dozens" of wounds. These included a severe bite through the tissue of her arm and a complete fracturing of the bone. Mr Paxton emphasised the imbalance between the elderly woman and the "towering power" of the banned XL bully dogs, calling the incident a "tragedy waiting to happen."
The prosecutor detailed how the ferocity of the attack was such that police officers and emergency services were unable to enter the home immediately. They had to deploy tasers to subdue the dogs, which were in a "frenzied state," with officers fearing death or serious injury if they attempted entry. A child was also present in the property during the attack, with footage capturing the dogs' barking and the victim's screams.
Prior Interactions with Authorities
Jurors were shown video evidence from a police visit to the property eleven days before the fatal incident. In the recording, Warren is heard discussing the XL bully ban with an officer, stating, "It's a shame about the laws" and claiming, "My boy's got papers already." Mr Paxton asserted that if this referred to an exemption certificate, it was a lie.
During the same interaction, Warren expressed disbelief at public perception of the breed, saying, "These dogs are so friendly it's unbelievable." He added, "You get them little poodles that come up to you and go rah, rah, rah, you know—they're more aggressive." The court also heard that Warren had lied to his landlord, Barry Gordon, about applying for a licence for the dogs.
Legal Proceedings and Denials
Ashley Warren has pleaded not guilty to two charges: being the owner of the dog Bear, which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place, and being in charge of the dog Beauty under similar circumstances. The prosecution noted that Warren accepts owning Bear and being in charge of Beauty—his girlfriend's dog, which he was housing and caring for—and that both dogs were dangerously out of control.
However, he denies the charges on the grounds that he reasonably believed Ms Martin was a "fit and proper person" to be in charge of the animals. Additionally, Warren faces a separate charge of possessing a bladed article without good reason at Clacton railway station on the day of the attack. He admits having a knife but plans to argue it was a prop for the music video he was filming in London.
The trial continues as jurors examine the circumstances leading to Esther Martin's death, highlighting issues of breed-specific legislation and responsibility in dog ownership.
