Ashley Warren, a 41-year-old rapper, has been sentenced to 10 years and three months in prison after his XL bully dog mauled a pensioner to death at his home in Jaywick, Essex. The attack occurred just two days after a ban on the breed came into force in England and Wales.
Esther Martin, 68, was killed by the dog named Bear at Warren's home in Hillman Avenue on 3 February 2024. Warren had asked Ms Martin, who was 5ft 3in and had mobility issues, to look after his two XL bullies and eight puppies while he travelled to London to film a music video.
Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC told Chelmsford Crown Court that Ms Martin had “little to no experience” of being left alone with the dogs for a prolonged period. She sustained “dozens and dozens” of injuries, including a bite through the tissue of her arm and a complete fracture of the bone.
Warren was found guilty of being the owner of a dog that caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place. He was acquitted of being in charge of a second dog, Beauty, which belonged to his girlfriend. He also admitted to having a bladed article at Clacton railway station on the same day.
The court heard that Warren had falsely claimed to police that his dog had an exemption certificate. He accepted he did not hold one and had not applied. The judge described the attack as a “tragedy waiting to happen” given the imbalance between the small pensioner and the powerful banned breed.
