Aspiring Rapper's XL Bully Dogs Kill Grandmother in Tragic Essex Attack
An aspiring rapper whose two XL bully dogs mauled a grandmother to death had previously told police that poodles were a more aggressive breed than his pets, a court has heard. Ashley Warren, 41, is accused of owning or being in charge of the dogs that killed 68-year-old Esther Martin in what prosecutors described as a "tragedy waiting to happen".
Fatal Incident in Jaywick Home
The fatal mauling occurred on February 3, 2024, at Warren's home on Hillman Avenue in Jaywick, Essex. Warren had left Ms Martin, a retired Tesco worker, with the two adult XL bullies named Beauty and Bear, along with eight puppies of the same breed. He had asked her to mind the animals so he could travel to London to film a music video, despite her mobility issues and lack of dog training experience.
Jurors at Chelmsford Crown Court watched footage capturing the dogs' barking and the victim's screams during the attack, which also involved a child present in the property. Ms Martin sustained "dozens and dozens" of injuries, including a bite through her arm tissue and complete bone fracturing.
Attack Followed Recent XL Bully Ban
The attack came 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 had not attempted to obtain certificates for any of the ten dogs in his property, the court was told. Prosecutors highlighted that he was aware of the ban, which had received widespread media coverage in preceding months.
In video evidence played to jurors, Warren told a police officer visiting his home eleven days before the attack: "It's a shame about the laws" and claimed "my boy's got papers already." Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC stated this was a lie if it referred to exemption certificates. Warren also argued in the footage that public perception of XL bullies was "mad to me" and claimed "these dogs are so friendly it's unbelievable."
Prosecution's Case Against Warren
The prosecution asserted that Warren expected Ms Martin to control the powerful dogs despite her age, stature, and inexperience. "Given Esther's age and her mobility issues, as well as other factors, Esther was clearly not a fit and proper person to look after these 10 dogs", Mr Paxton told jurors. He added that the situation suited Warren's agenda to pursue his music video filming.
Emergency services faced extreme danger responding to the incident. An officer deemed it unsafe to enter the house as the dogs were in a "frenzied state", forcing police to use tasers before gaining access.
Defendant's Denials and Additional Charges
Warren has pleaded not guilty to charges related to both dogs causing injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control. He accepts owning Bear and being in charge of Beauty, his girlfriend's dog, but denies the charges on grounds that he reasonably believed Ms Martin was a "fit and proper person" to handle them.
Additionally, Warren denies possessing a bladed article without good reason at Clacton railway station on the day of the attack. He admits having a knife but claims it was a prop for the music video he was filming in London.
The trial continues at Chelmsford Crown Court, examining the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident that has reignited discussions about dangerous dog breeds and owner responsibility.
