A court hears that a 68-year-old pensioner with limited mobility cared for 10 XL bully dogs totaling 190kg (400lbs) before a fatal attack.
Fatal Attack in Essex Home
Ashley Warren, 41, faces charges over two adult XL bully dogs, Beauty and Bear, that mauled Esther Martin to death at his Jaywick, Essex, residence on February 3, 2024. Warren left Ms Martin, who stood 5ft 3in tall, with the two adults and eight puppies while traveling to London to shoot a music video.
Ms Martin suffered from a recent hip replacement, arthritis, and a limp, severely restricting her movement. Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC described it as ‘ludicrous’ to expect her to manage the powerful pack.
Dogs’ Size and Behavior
The adult dogs weighed 83lbs and 103lbs, while each puppy ranged from 20lbs to 26lbs, creating a combined mass of around 400lbs. Described as unpredictable, towering, and muscular, the dogs overwhelmed Ms Martin.
Paxton noted Warren knew Ms Martin for over 12 years and understood her physical limitations. ‘No one would reasonably believe that Esther could control those dogs with the physicality and power they possessed,’ he stated, emphasizing the presence of two adults and eight puppies.
The dogs had not been walked for four weeks prior to the incident. Ms Martin sustained at least 60 dog-related injuries. Police required Tasers and shields to enter the home due to the animals’ ferocity.
Timing and Legal Context
The mauling occurred two days after owning an XL bully without an exemption certificate became a criminal offense in England and Wales.
Charges Against Warren
Warren, now residing in Addlestone, Surrey, pleads not guilty to owning Bear, which caused fatal injuries while dangerously out of control in a private place. He also denies responsibility for Beauty in a similar charge and possessing a bladed article without lawful reason at Clacton railway station that day.
The trial continues.
