The daughters of a woman fatally mauled by XL Bully dogs have condemned the 'arrogant' owner, who now faces imprisonment for the deadly incident. Esther Martin, a 68-year-old from Woodford in east London, endured 'dozens and dozens' of bites from two adult dogs and eight puppies on February 3, 2024.
Tragic Circumstances of the Attack
Ms Martin had traveled to the home of her son-in-law, Ashley Warren, 41, in Jaywick, Essex, to care for the pets while he filmed a music video in London. The pensioner, who had a limp, arthritis, and two hip replacements, was overwhelmed by the animals' combined weight of roughly 30 stone. She was pronounced dead at the scene, where a child was also present, just two days after the XL Bully breed was outlawed in England and Wales.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Warren, now residing in Addlestone, Surrey, was found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday of owning or being in charge of one of the dogs and possessing a knife. He will be sentenced on April 1, also for the unrelated weapons offence, marking him as the first individual prosecuted under the XL Bully ban. The offence carries a maximum jail term of 14 years.
Judge Jeremy Johnson granted Warren bail but warned that a prison sentence is 'inevitable'. Warren must surrender his passport and remain in the country until sentencing. He was acquitted of a second charge related to another dog involved in the attack.
Family Outrage and Emotional Tributes
Ms Martin's surviving daughters, Sonia Martin-Coppen, 49, and Kelly Fretwell, have slammed their brother-in-law for his irresponsibility. They lost their sister, who was Warren's partner, in 2021. Sonia Martin-Coppen told the BBC: 'Who would deserve to be ripped apart by two dogs, knowing that's what is happening?'
She highlighted that their mother had previously expressed concerns about the dogs' large size, breed, and lack of control, noting they often jumped up at people. 'We are not talking small animals. We are talking pure muscle, pure power, untrained, cooped up in a small house,' she explained.
Kelly Fretwell emphasized that their frail, 5ft 3ins mother, who 'waddled' when she walked, was no match for the animals, which caused a catastrophic bleed. 'It didn't take a brain surgeon or a rocket scientist to know that she was not a fit and able person [to care for the dogs],' she said.
Details of the Fatal Incident
CCTV footage from the property on Hillman Avenue captured screams and frenzied barking around 3.30pm. The dogs were so aggressive that police officers had to Taser them through a smashed window before entering. The animals had not been walked for four weeks prior to the attack and were kept in 'impoverished' conditions, according to a dog behaviour expert.
Prosecutors noted Warren had not obtained an exemption certificate for his pets, which would have allowed legal ownership under the ban. Ms Martin-Coppen argued the dogs, including adults Beauty and Bear, should have been rehomed. 'Mr Warren's arrogance is what caused this. It's not lack of knowledge - he knew the law was coming in,' she stated.
Investigation and Court Testimony
During the trial, prosecutor Chris Paxton KC described the attack as 'an accident waiting to happen'. He explained Ms Martin had mobility issues, no dog training, and 'little to no experience' being left alone with the animals. Warren expected her to handle two adult XL Bullies and eight puppies despite their weight, size, and unpredictability.
An officer reported the dogs were 'in a frenzied state', posing a risk of death or serious injury to anyone entering. A child present during the attack bravely tried to stop it by hitting the dogs with a broom, but eventually fled to call for help.
Warren's Awareness and Negligence
Warren was aware of the XL Bully ban, which had been widely publicized. In bodycam footage, he told an officer 'it's a shame about the laws' and falsely claimed his dogs had papers. He also lied to his landlord about applying for a licence. Police found the bungalow too messy and small for the dogs, with no toys and long claws indicating infrequent walks.
Ms Martin had cared for the dogs a few times before but was scared of them and considered reporting Warren. Ten officers, some in riot gear, responded but could not save her. A post-mortem revealed bites on her arms, torso, legs, and head.
Aftermath and Community Impact
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe of Essex Police said: 'I am pleased that we have been able to ensure Ashley Warren has been held accountable but I know that no verdict will ever bring Esther back.' She noted the tragedy has deeply affected Ms Martin's family and the Jaywick community.
Warren, who had a 14-year relationship with Ms Martin's late daughter Claire, denied the charges, claiming he believed Ms Martin was a 'fit and proper person' to handle the dogs. However, the jury found him guilty by a majority verdict after a two-week trial.
Ms Martin's brother, Charles Tarsey, expressed satisfaction with the verdict after the hearing. Warren declined to comment as he left court, having sat with his head bowed during parts of the trial.
