Man Guilty in First XL Bully Attack Case After Breed Ban in Essex

This is the first conviction for a fatal XL Bully attack since the breed was banned in England and Wales. The owner was found guilty on February 26, 2024.
By Newsroom | Crime, UK Law |

A man has been found guilty of owning a dangerously out-of-control XL Bully dog that caused a fatal attack, marking the first such conviction since the breed became illegal to own in England and Wales. The verdict comes after a trial that detailed the circumstances leading to the death of a grandmother. The case highlights the legal ramifications for dog owners following new legislation.

Circumstances of the Attack

The incident occurred in Jaywick, Essex, where Ashley Warren, an amateur rapper, was found guilty of owning a dog that caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control. The victim, Esther Martin, died after being mauled by an XL Bully named Bear. This happened shortly after Warren asked Ms. Martin to look after his dogs while he traveled to London for a video shoot. The attack took place just two days after the breed was officially banned. Warren also faced charges related to another dog, Beauty, and possession of a knife.

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Warren's trial took place at Chelmsford Crown Court. He denied being the owner of Bear and being in charge of Beauty, both of which were alleged to have caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control.

  • Guilty Verdicts: Warren was convicted of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. He was also found guilty of possessing a knife in a public place.

  • Not Guilty Verdict: He was acquitted of a further count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

Warren was granted conditional bail and is scheduled for sentencing on April 1.

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Prosecution's Argument

The prosecution argued that Warren was aware of Ms. Martin's mobility and health issues. They contended that if Warren struggled to control the dogs, it was highly probable that Ms. Martin would face even greater difficulty.

"Esther died in the most horrific of circumstances and Ashley Warren is culpable for her death. That decision, ultimately, cost Esther her life.”

The court heard that Warren left Ms. Martin with two XL Bully dogs and eight puppies of the same breed at his home.

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The Breed Ban Context

The conviction is significant as it occurs in the immediate aftermath of the ban on XL Bully dogs. New legislation made it a criminal offense to own or possess an XL Bully without a certificate of exemption. The attack on Ms. Martin happened within days of this ban coming into effect.

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Earlier Incidents and Legislation

While this is the first conviction under the new XL Bully legislation, similar incidents have led to legal consequences. In October 2025, James Harrison Trimble-Pettitt pleaded guilty to owning dogs dangerously out of control after two of his XL Bullies killed Ian Price. That incident occurred shortly before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the breed would be banned. Trimble-Pettitt was due to be sentenced in January.

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Analysis and Implications

This conviction sets a precedent for how cases involving XL Bully dogs will be handled under the new laws. It underscores the responsibility placed on owners and those in charge of such animals. The verdict indicates that individuals can be held legally accountable for the actions of their dogs, particularly when the breed is subject to specific regulations and prohibitions. The inclusion of the knife possession charge suggests broader legal scrutiny applied in such cases.

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  • The trial's focus on ownership and control of the dog demonstrates the legal framework's intent to attribute clear responsibility.

  • The timing of the conviction relative to the ban highlights the immediate impact of the legislation on public safety and legal accountability.

Conclusion

Ashley Warren has been found guilty of owning an XL Bully dog that caused a fatal attack, a landmark verdict following the breed's ban. The conviction addresses the specific dangers posed by dogs that are out of control and resulted in death. Warren's sentencing is pending, and this case will likely inform future legal proceedings concerning dangerous dog offences, especially involving breeds subject to legislative restrictions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was found guilty in the first XL Bully attack case since the breed ban?
Ashley Warren was found guilty of owning a dangerously out-of-control XL Bully dog that caused a fatal attack. This is the first such case since the breed became illegal to own in England and Wales.
Q: What happened in the attack in Jaywick, Essex?
An XL Bully dog named Bear, owned by Ashley Warren, attacked and killed Esther Martin. This happened shortly after Mr. Warren asked Ms. Martin to look after his dogs while he was away.
Q: When did this conviction happen and what is the new law?
The conviction happened after a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, with the guilty verdict announced recently. The attack occurred just two days after XL Bully dogs became illegal to own without a special exemption certificate.
Q: What were the charges against Ashley Warren?
Ashley Warren was found guilty of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and possessing a knife. He was found not guilty of a second charge of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.
Q: When will Ashley Warren be sentenced?
Ashley Warren was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1. This case sets a precedent for legal responsibility for dog owners under the new breed ban laws.