Rapper's XL Bully Dogs Maul Mother-in-Law to Death in Banned Breed Attack
The children of Esther Martin have condemned the "arrogance" of rapper Ashley Warren, whose XL bully dogs brutally killed their 68-year-old mother just two days after the breed was banned in England and Wales. Warren was convicted at Chelmsford Crown Court for owning a dog that caused death while dangerously out of control.
Fatal Neglect and Legal Breaches
Esther Martin, a frail grandmother standing at 5ft 3ins with mobility issues including arthritis and two hip replacements, was left to care for a pack of ten powerful dogs in Jaywick, Essex. Warren had departed to film a music video in London, leaving behind two adult XL bullies named Beauty and Bear, along with eight puppies. The combined weight of the animals reached up to 190kg, with the adults weighing over 6st and 7st respectively.
Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC described the situation as a "tragedy waiting to happen," highlighting the "imbalance between 68-year-old Esther, short in stature, and the towering power of these banned XL bully dogs." Esther suffered "dozens and dozens" of bite wounds, leading to a catastrophic bleed during the attack in February 2024.
Family Outrage and Warren's Defence
Esther's daughter, Sonia Martin-Coppen, 49, expressed fury at Warren's actions, stating: "They shouldn't have been in the property, they should have been re-homed. Mr Warren's arrogance is what caused this. It's not a lack of knowledge – he knew the law was coming in." She added, "Who would deserve to be ripped apart by two dogs, knowing that's what is happening?"
Another daughter, Kelly Fretwell, emphasised that Esther "waddled" when walking and was clearly unfit to manage such animals, saying, "It didn't take a brain surgeon or a rocket scientist to know that she was not a fit and able person."
Warren, 41, pleaded not guilty to charges related to owning Bear and being in charge of Beauty. He claimed in court that he "never seen this coming in a million years" and "would never have left Esther with the dogs if I thought they were dangerous." However, jurors found him guilty of owning Bear by a majority of 11 to one, while clearing him of responsibility for Beauty on the day of the attack.
Prior Police Interaction and Breed Misconceptions
Eleven days before the fatal incident, police visited Warren's home for an unrelated matter. In video footage played to the court, Warren told an officer, "It's a shame about the laws" and "my boy's got papers already," which prosecutor Paxton noted was a lie regarding exemption certificates. Warren admitted in court that he held no such certificates and had not applied for any.
During the same interaction, Warren defended the breed, saying, "These dogs are so friendly and loyal it's unbelievable. It's like I've only seen them ever attack people when someone's tried to attack the owners." He compared them to small poodles, claiming the latter are "more aggressive."
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The trial heard that the dogs were "unpredictable, towering, muscular" animals, and it was "ludicrous" to expect Esther to control them given her limited experience and physical constraints. Footage from nearby CCTV captured screams and frenzied barking during the attack, underscoring the violence of the event.
Warren, now residing in Addlestone, Surrey, was also convicted of possessing a knife. He is due to be sentenced at a later date, with the case marking the first fatal attack involving an XL bully since the breed's ban. The conviction highlights ongoing concerns about dangerous dog ownership and enforcement of breed-specific legislation.
