British Rapper Found Guilty After XL Bully Dogs Maul Grandmother to Death
An aspiring British rapper is facing a significant prison sentence after being convicted at Chelmsford Crown Court for his role in a tragic incident where his XL bully dogs fatally attacked a grandmother. Ashley Warren, 41, left 68-year-old Esther Martin alone with 10 dogs at his home in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3, 2024, merely two days after the breed was officially banned across the United Kingdom.
Fatal Attack and Police Intervention
Mrs. Martin suffered extensive injuries during the mauling, including "dozens and dozens" of bite wounds, with one bite so severe it "completely fractured" her arm. The situation was so dangerous that police officers, equipped with riot shields, had to deploy tasers on the animals before it was deemed safe enough to enter the property. Prosecutors described her death as "a tragedy waiting to happen," highlighting the inherent risks involved.
Warren was found guilty of owning an XL bully named Bear, which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place. However, he was cleared of being in charge of another XL bully, Beauty, which also injured Mrs. Martin during the attack. Jurors were presented with Ring doorbell footage from days before the fatal incident, showing Warren struggling to pull one of the adult dogs back to the property after it escaped, underscoring the animals' power and unpredictability.
Prosecution's Case and Victim's Vulnerabilities
Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC emphasized the disparity between Mrs. Martin's capabilities and the dogs' strength. He pointed out that the "combined weight of the pack" was between 180kg and 190kg, describing the animals as "unpredictable, towering, muscular" beings. In more relatable terms, he noted this was equivalent to "about 26 to 28 stone, not of static Roman statues but living, writhing, fighting dogs."
The court heard that Mrs. Martin had restricted movement due to a hip replacement, arthritis, and a limp, making it "ludicrous" to suggest she was a "fit and proper person" to control such powerful dogs. Warren had asked her to look after the animals so he could travel to London to film a music video, despite her having little to no experience being left alone with them for extended periods.
Mr. Paxton told jurors, "Ashley Warren expected Esther to be able to handle and control these two adult XL bully dogs, as well as their eight puppies, with the weight, size, power and unpredictability they possessed, with no or minimal training." He added that given her age and mobility issues, it was clear she was not suited for the task, but it suited Warren's agenda that day, leading to what he called "a tragedy waiting to happen."
Police and Emergency Response
The ferocity of the dogs was such that police and emergency services were unable to enter the home until tasers were deployed. An attending officer described the dogs as being "in a frenzied state" and expressed concern that entering the house would put officers at risk of death or serious injury. This highlights the extreme danger posed by the animals in the aftermath of the attack.
Defense and Additional Charges
During the trial, Warren testified that he "never thought in a million years" that the "loving, friendly" dogs would attack someone, stating, "They weren't raised to attack or bite." He expressed shock and remorse, saying, "I never seen this coming in a million years. I would never have left Esther with the dogs if I thought they were dangerous."
However, under cross-examination, defense barrister Allan Compton KC questioned Warren about his failure to comply with new regulations requiring XL bullies to be neutered, muzzled, and leashed when walked. Warren cited financial constraints, noting he was on PIP benefits and had to save for items, though he acknowledged that muzzles were relatively cheap at around £20. When asked about his train ticket to London that day, he admitted it cost £40.
In addition to the dog-related charges, Warren was convicted of possessing a bladed article without good reason or lawful authority at Clacton railway station on February 3, 2024. He claimed the knife was a prop for the music video he filmed in London that day. Warren now awaits sentencing at a later date, facing the consequences of his actions in this heartbreaking case.
