A man has pleaded not guilty to owning or being in charge of two XL bully dogs which killed a woman. Ashley Warren, 40, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday and denied the charges relating to the dogs, Beauty and Bear, which fatally attacked Esther Martin, 68, in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3 this year.
Warren, of High Road, Leytonstone, east London, appeared in court wearing a brown shirt and black trousers. He pleaded not guilty to being the owner of Bear, the XL bully which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control, and also denied being in charge of Beauty, another XL bully that caused injury resulting in death under similar circumstances. Additionally, Warren pleaded not guilty to possessing a bladed article.
Essex Police revealed that this case was the first to be charged under new laws regarding ownership of XL bullies implemented earlier this year. An inquest hearing disclosed that Ms. Martin sustained “unsurvivable” dog bite wounds at a property in Hillman Avenue. She was found with two XL bully dogs and succumbed to the injuries. The trial has been scheduled for August 11, 2025, over a period of three to four weeks, while Warren has been granted conditional bail.
The tragic incident and subsequent legal proceedings have highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership and adherence to regulations concerning dangerous dog breeds. The safety of individuals in private and public spaces must be prioritised to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and seek justice for the victim and her family.
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