XL Bully Owner Sentenced to Five Years for Fatal Dog Attack
James Harrison Trimble-Pettit, aged 33, has been handed a five-year prison sentence after his two XL bully dogs launched a vicious and ultimately fatal assault on Ian Price, a 52-year-old man from Stonnall, Staffordshire. The tragic incident occurred on the afternoon of September 14, 2023, outside a property on Main Road in Stonnall, near Walsall, just yards from a local primary school.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Ian Price suffered multiple severe dog bite wounds during the unprovoked attack, which took place at approximately 3:15 pm. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries and later died. According to local reports, the two dogs involved in the assault jumped out of a neighbour's window to reach Mr. Price. One of the animals died while being restrained at the scene, while the other was subsequently euthanised by a veterinary professional.
During the sentencing hearing at Stafford Crown Court, the profound impact of this loss was starkly evident. Hannah Price, the victim's wife, delivered a heart-wrenching victim impact statement, describing how losing her husband had "broken" her. "I'm haunted by dreams of those dogs, what Ian endured and the kids' faces when I had to tell them," she told the court, highlighting the enduring trauma inflicted upon the family.
Prosecution's Case and Defendant's Guilty Plea
James Trimble-Pettit had previously pleaded guilty to the charge of being the owner of dogs dangerously out of control. James Morris, a representative from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), outlined the case's gravity, stating it was a "tragic case where Ian Price lost his life as a result of the sustained negligence" of the defendant.
The prosecution built a comprehensive case against Trimble-Pettit, utilising witness testimonies, CCTV footage, and expert evidence. This evidence proved he was seriously at fault for the incident. It was revealed that Trimble-Pettit had failed to heed prior warnings about the dangerous nature of his dogs and their potential to escape. He kept the animals in unsuitable and insecure conditions with no proper measures to prevent them from getting out.
"He struggled to control his dogs and knew the danger they posed, yet took no adequate steps to secure them," Morris emphasised. The strength of the evidence left Trimble-Pettit with no alternative but to change his plea to guilty on the second day of his trial.
Broader Implications and Legal Accountability
In his concluding remarks, James Morris from the CPS underscored the significant responsibility that comes with dog ownership. "Owning a dog is a significant responsibility and those who fail to control their dogs will be held fully accountable as far as the law allows," he stated.
While acknowledging that nothing can undo the devastation caused to Mr. Price's family, Morris expressed hope that the conviction and sentence would provide them with some measure of justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral duties of pet owners, particularly concerning breeds with powerful physiques and strong instincts.
This remains a developing news story, with further updates anticipated as the legal and community repercussions continue to unfold in the wake of this preventable tragedy.
