Pensioner with Mobility Issues Left in Charge of Pack of 10 XL Bullies Before Fatal Mauling
A Chelmsford Crown Court trial has heard shocking details of how a 68-year-old pensioner with limited mobility was left in charge of a pack of ten XL bully dogs with a combined weight approaching 190 kilograms before she was fatally attacked. The case has been described by prosecutors as a "tragedy waiting to happen" that highlights serious questions about responsibility and dangerous dog ownership.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Esther Martin, a retired Tesco worker standing just 5ft 3in tall, was asked to mind the animals at Ashley Warren's home on Hillman Avenue in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3, 2024. Warren, an aspiring rapper, reportedly needed to travel to London to film a music video and left Ms. Martin with two adult XL bullies named Beauty and Bear, along with eight puppies of the same breed.
Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC told jurors that Ms. Martin had "restricted" movement following a hip replacement, suffered from arthritis, and walked with a noticeable limp. He argued it was a "ludicrous suggestion" that she could be considered a "fit and proper person" to control such powerful animals.
The Physical Imbalance Between Handler and Dogs
The court heard detailed weight comparisons that highlighted the dangerous mismatch. The two adult dogs weighed 39kg and 47kg respectively, while each of the eight puppies weighed between 10kg and 12kg. This created a combined pack weight estimated between 180kg and 190kg.
"In old money that's about 26 to 28 stone, not of static Roman statues but living, writhing, fighting dogs," Mr. Paxton told the court. "Dogs described by the defendant as 'bouncy.'" He emphasized that Warren had known Ms. Martin for over twelve years and would have been fully aware of her mobility limitations.
Prosecution's Case Against the Defendant
Ashley Warren, 41, now of Addlestone, Surrey, faces serious charges related to the incident. He has pleaded not guilty to:
- Being the owner of a dog named Bear which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place
- Being a person in charge of a dog named Beauty which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place
- Having a bladed article without good reason or lawful authority at Clacton railway station on February 3, 2024
Mr. Paxton argued forcefully that Warren had "no basis" to believe Ms. Martin could "physically stop the dogs" given their size, strength, and her physical limitations. "No-one would reasonably believe that Esther could control those dogs with the physicality and power that they clearly possessed," he stated.
Violence of the Attack and Police Response
The prosecutor revealed disturbing details about the attack's aftermath. Police officers responding to the scene were unable to enter the home until they had deployed Tasers and entered with protective shields. The ferocity of the animals created a dangerous situation even for trained professionals.
Medical evidence presented to the court indicated Ms. Martin sustained a minimum of 60 mostly dog-related injuries before her death. Additionally, jurors heard that the animals had not been walked for four weeks prior to the fatal attack.
Defense Arguments and Context
Allan Compton KC, defending Warren, presented a different perspective on the dogs' behavior. He told the court there was "no evidence that those dogs were ever aggressive to any human being" except for one incident where Bear "nipped" a neighbor who had "smacked him on the nose."
"With all breeds you can have good dogs and you can have bad dogs," Mr. Compton argued. "What is far more important, we suggest, is the consistent behavior of the dogs or a dog over the months and years. With Beauty and Bear, there was not a single incident of concern."
Broader Legal Context
The tragic incident occurred just two days after new legislation came into effect making it a criminal offense to own an XL bully in England and Wales without a certificate of exemption. This timing adds another layer of significance to the case as it unfolds in the courtroom.
During Monday's hearing, Warren sat in the dock wearing a pink shirt with his head bowed as the prosecution presented their closing arguments. The trial continues as both sides present their cases regarding responsibility, animal behavior, and the circumstances that led to Esther Martin's death.
