Pensioner with Mobility Issues Left in Charge of 10 XL Bully Dogs Before Fatal Mauling
A pensioner who had undergone a hip replacement and suffered from arthritis and a limp was left in charge of 10 XL Bully dogs, with a combined weight of up to 190 kilograms, before she was killed in a brutal attack, Chelmsford Crown Court has been told. Esther Martin, aged 68, was fatally mauled by two of the dogs in an incident described by prosecutors as a 'tragedy waiting to happen'.
Defendant Accused of Negligent Dog Ownership
Ashley Warren, 41, is currently on trial, accused of owning or being in charge of the two dogs that killed Ms Martin. The court heard that on February 3, 2024, Warren left Ms Martin at his home in Jaywick, Essex, with the two adult dogs, named Beauty and Bear, and 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.
Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC stated that Ms Martin had 'restricted' movement due to her medical conditions, making it a 'ludicrous suggestion' to consider her a 'fit and proper person' to control the powerful dogs. He emphasized that the pack weighed between 180kg and 190kg and described the animals as 'unpredictable, towering, muscular' and not 'static Roman statues but living, writhing, fighting dogs'.
Details of the Attack and Legal Proceedings
According to Mr Paxton, Warren had known Ms Martin for over 12 years and would have been aware of her mobility issues, meaning he had 'no basis' to believe she could physically restrain the dogs. The prosecutor argued that no reasonable person would think Ms Martin could control such animals, especially with two adults and eight puppies present.
The court was informed that the dogs' 'ferocity' was so severe that police had to use Tasers and shields to enter the home after the attack. Jurors heard that Ms Martin sustained at least 60 mostly dog-related injuries before her death, and the animals had not been walked for four weeks prior to the incident.
Defence Arguments and Breed Characteristics
Allan Compton KC, defending Warren, claimed there was 'no evidence that those dogs were ever aggressive to any human being' aside from a minor incident where Bear 'nipped' a neighbour. He suggested that breed alone does not determine behavior, emphasizing the importance of consistent conduct over time. Warren himself testified last week, describing the dogs as 'loving, friendly, family dogs' and expressing shock at the attack, saying he 'never seen this coming in a million years'.
The mauling occurred just two days after new legislation made it a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales without a certificate of exemption. Warren has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including being the owner of Bear and in charge of Beauty, as well as possessing a bladed article at Clacton railway station on the same day. The trial continues as the court examines the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
