Lee Ellis, a 55-year-old father of two, broke down in tears in the dock at Bradford Magistrates' Court on Monday after being charged with manslaughter over the death of a man allegedly bitten by his Alsatian-cross dog.
Charges and court appearance
Ellis, of Blacker Lane, Calder Grove, Wakefield, shook his head as he entered the dock just before noon, accompanied by a female prison officer. He confirmed his name and address with his hands clasped behind his back, breathing deeply. As the details of the alleged offence were read out, he sat weeping, and the prison officer handed him tissues.
He faces charges of manslaughter in connection with the death of James Judge, also 55, who died after being bitten on a footpath. The incident allegedly followed an altercation between the two men over a right of way. Ellis also faces charges of being the "owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death."
Details of the incident
The court heard that Ellis, a farrier, was walking his two dogs — one described as an Alsatian crossed with an Australian Huntaway — when the alleged altercation with Mr Judge took place. Georgina Fishwick, prosecuting, said an initial post-mortem examination had been unable to establish the precise number of bite wounds sustained by Mr Judge.
"A post mortem was heard but we cannot determine how many bites he suffered but a bite to the back of the right knee was a direct contributor to his death," she said. Ellis, red-eyed from crying, leaned forward, cupping his ear and wiping away tears, appearing to struggle to hear the proceedings.
Bail and next steps
The court was told that both men dialled 999, with the deceased calling to report his injuries before later succumbing to them in hospital. Rob Fones from Switalski's solicitors, representing Ellis, said there was "a verbal altercation in regards to right of way."
"He's out with his two dogs not far away from where he lives and where he regularly walks the dog at certain of times of the day. He comes across Judge and there is a verbal altercation in regards to right of way...He walks away and Mr Judge follows him."
Ellis left the court clutching a B&M carrier bag and smoking a roll-up cigarette. He was granted bail on condition that he remain at his home address each night, despite the court noting it was a "very serious offence." He thanked the judge and was told he would next appear at Leeds Crown Court on September 16 to enter a plea.
