Full Breakdown
Conviction in Fatal XL Bully Attack on Grandmother in Essex
2/19/2026, 10:12:14 PM
Overview of the Incident
Ashley Warren, a 41-year-old man from Addlestone, Surrey, has been convicted for the fatal mauling of 68-year-old Esther Martin by his XL bully dog, Bear, at his home in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3, 2024. The jury at Chelmsford Crown Court found Warren guilty by a majority of 11 to one of owning Bear, which was deemed dangerously out of control, resulting in Martin's death. He was acquitted of charges related to another XL bully named Beauty, which also injured Martin during the incident.
Details of the Attack
During the attack, Martin sustained over 60 injuries, primarily from dog bites, with the medical cause of death recorded as "dog bite wounds to the upper right limb." Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that emergency services could not enter the home until police deployed Tasers against the dogs. The attack occurred shortly after new legislation made it illegal to own XL bullies in England and Wales without an exemption certificate, which Warren had not applied for regarding any of his ten dogs.
Background on Ownership and Responsibility
Warren had left Martin in charge of Bear and Beauty, along with eight puppies, while he traveled to London to film a music video. He claimed in court that he believed Martin was a "fit and proper person" to care for the dogs, despite her limited mobility due to a hip replacement and arthritis. The prosecution argued that it was unreasonable to expect Martin, who was 5ft 3in tall and had restricted movement, to manage the powerful dogs, which collectively weighed between 180kg to 190kg.
Legal Proceedings and Additional Charges
In addition to the conviction related to the dog attack, Warren was found guilty of possessing a bladed article without lawful authority at Clacton railway station on the same day as the mauling. He claimed the knife was a prop for his music video. The court proceedings revealed that Warren had previously been interviewed by police about an unrelated matter just days before the attack.
Criticism and Defense
Warren expressed disbelief over the incident, stating, "I would never have left Esther with the dogs if I thought they were dangerous." He described the XL bullies as "loving dogs" and insisted they were not raised to attack. However, the prosecution countered this by presenting evidence of the dogs' unpredictability and the dangerous environment created by their presence in the home.
What's Next
Warren has been released on bail and is awaiting sentencing. The case marks a significant legal precedent following the introduction of stricter regulations on XL bully ownership in the UK.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If that was a reference to an exemption certificate, that was a lie.” — Christopher Paxton KC, Prosecutor
- “I would never have left Esther with the dogs if I thought they were dangerous.” — Ashley Warren, Defendant
- “These bullies, I’m telling you, it’s a shame about what everyone thinks about them and everything man, because they are one of the friendliest dogs that I know.” — Ashley Warren, Defendant
