Court Hears Aspiring Rapper's Dogs Mauled Grandmother After He Left Her in Charge
Aspiring rapper Ashley Warren, whose two XL Bully dogs fatally mauled a grandmother, had previously told police officers that poodles were a more aggressive breed than his pets, Chelmsford Crown Court has heard. The 41-year-old defendant left 68-year-old Esther Martin in charge of the two adult dogs and eight puppies of the same breed while he went to meet a female friend, leading to a tragic incident described by prosecutors as "an accident waiting to happen."
Fatal Attack in Jaywick Chalet
The fatal mauling occurred on February 3, 2024, at Warren's chalet-style bungalow in Jaywick, Essex, while a child was present in the property. Ms Martin, who stood at 5ft 3in, sustained dozens and dozens of injuries, including a bite through her right arm that severed an artery. Prosecutors detailed that police officers arriving at the scene refused to enter the home initially due to the ferocity of the dogs, which they eventually tasered before shooting them.
Chris Paxton KC, opening the case for the prosecution, emphasised the severe imbalance between the elderly woman, who had mobility issues, and the powerful banned breed. "Given Esther's age and her mobility issues, as well as other factors, Esther was clearly not a fit and proper person to look after these ten dogs," he told jurors. "It was, you may think, a tragedy waiting to happen."
Ignoring the XL Bully Ban
Jurors were informed that the attack took place just two days after the Government made it a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales without a certificate of exemption. Warren had not attempted to obtain such a certificate for any of the ten dogs at the property, despite being aware of the widely publicised ban. In bodycam footage shown to the court, Warren was heard telling an officer, "It's a shame about the laws" and claiming his dog had papers, which the prosecution alleged was a lie.
Further evidence revealed Warren's dismissive attitude towards public concerns about the breed. He told police that public perception was "mad to me" and asserted, "These dogs are so friendly it's unbelievable." In a striking comparison, he added, "You get them little poodles that come up to you and go rah, rah, rah, you know - they're more aggressive."
Previous Warnings and Inadequate Conditions
The court heard that Ms Martin had looked after the dogs on four or five previous occasions but had expressed fear of them and considered reporting Warren for owning them. A police dog handler who visited the small bungalow prior to the incident found it too messy and cramped for the two large adult dogs and their litter. The officer noted a blood-covered broom with bite marks, a lack of dog toys, and long claws on the dogs suggesting infrequent walks.
Emergency services, including ten officers some in riot gear, arrived at the scene but were unable to save Ms Martin, who was declared dead after being removed from the house. A post-mortem examination revealed bites on her arms, torso, legs, and head.
Defendant's Denials and Ongoing Trial
Warren, who sat with his head bowed during the hearing, has pleaded not guilty to charges including being the owner of a dog, Bear, and in charge of another dog, Beauty, which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place. He accepts ownership of Bear and responsibility for Beauty, who was pregnant with Bear's puppies, but denies the charges on the grounds that he reasonably believed Ms Martin was a fit person to be in charge.
Additionally, Warren denies possessing a bladed article without good reason at Clacton railway station on the same day, arguing the knife was a prop for a music video he was filming in London. The trial continues as the court examines the circumstances leading to this devastating incident.
