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Man guilty of owning XL bully in fatal attack in first case since ban on breed
| United Kingdom | general | ✓ Verified - news.sky.com

Man guilty of owning XL bully in fatal attack in first case since ban on breed

#XL bully #fatal dog attack #Ashley Warren #Esther Martin #dog ownership laws #Essex #animal control #fatal dog attack conviction

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Ashley Warren convicted of owning XL bully that killed Esther Martin
  • Jury cleared him of being in charge of second dog (Beauty)
  • Case was first legal proceeding since XL bully ban came into effect in 2024
  • Warren also convicted of carrying a bladed article at railway station
  • Medical cause of death recorded as 'dog bite wounds to upper right limb'

📖 Full Retelling

Ashley Warren, a 41-year-old man, was found guilty in Chelmsford Crown Court on February 19, 2026, of owning an XL bully dog named Bear that mauled 68-year-old Esther Martin to death at his home in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3, 2024, after he left her in care of the animals while he traveled to London to film a music video. The jury convicted Warren on the charge by a majority of 11 to one, but cleared him of being in charge of another XL bully called Beauty, which also injured Ms Martin during the fatal attack. Medical examiners recorded the cause of death as "dog bite wounds to the upper right limb" after Ms Martin, who had limited mobility following a hip replacement, suffered "dozens and dozens" of injuries including a bite through the tissue of her arm and a "complete fracturing" of the bone. Warren, now of Addlestone, Surrey, had asked Ms Martin to mind the two XL bullies and eight puppies of the same breed while he was away, and during the trial he claimed the dogs were "loving dogs" and were not "raised to attack or bite." The case marked the first legal proceeding of its kind since new laws on owning XL bullies came into effect at the start of 2024, and Warren was additionally found guilty of having a bladed article without good reason or lawful authority at Clacton railway station on the same day as the attack, after officers found a knife he claimed was a prop for his music video.

🏷️ Themes

Animal control legislation, Criminal responsibility, Public safety

📚 Related People & Topics

Essex

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County of England

Essex ( ESS-iks) is a ceremonial county in the East of England. It is bordered by Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to the north, the North Sea to the east, Kent across the Thames Estuary to the south, Greater London to the south-west, and Hertfordshire to the west. The largest settlement is Southend-on-S...

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American Bully

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Ashley Warren

Ashley Warren

Village in Hampshire, England

Ashley Warren is a hamlet in the Basingstoke and Deane district of Hampshire, England. The settlement is within the civil parish of Ecchinswell, Sydmonton and Bishops Green, and is located approximately 7.3 miles (11.7 km) south of Newbury.

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Entity Intersection Graph

Connections for Essex:

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👤 American Bully 1 shared
🌐 Ashley Warren 1 shared
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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

The conviction marks the first legal action against an XL bully owner since the breed ban, underscoring the enforcement of new animal control laws. It highlights the dangers of large dog attacks and the importance of responsible ownership.

Context & Background

  • XL bully breed banned in UK in 2024
  • Esther Martin was a 68-year-old victim in Jaywick
  • Warren owned two XL bullies and eight puppies

What Happens Next

The case may prompt stricter monitoring of exempted dog owners and review of the exemption certificate system. Authorities may also investigate other owners of large breeds for compliance with the new legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an XL bully?

An XL bully is a large, powerful dog breed that is subject to a ban in the UK unless an exemption certificate is held.

What are the legal consequences for owning an XL bully without a certificate?

Owners can face criminal charges, fines, and potential confiscation of the dog.

What happened to the dogs in this case?

The dogs were seized by authorities and the owner was convicted for their attacks.

Original Source
Man found guilty over XL bully attack that killed woman in his home Ashley Warren, 41, was charged with offences relating to the dogs - Beauty and Bear - that killed Esther Martin in Jaywick, Essex, in February 2024. Thursday 19 February 2026 15:38, UK Why you can trust Sky News A man has been convicted over an XL bully attack that saw a 68-year-old woman mauled to death at his home. Ashley Warren, 41, was found guilty of owning an XL bully dog called Bear that mauled Esther Martin in Jaywick, Essex , on 3 February 2024. The jury convicted Warren on the charge by a majority of 11 to one, but cleared him of being in charge of another XL bully called Beauty, which also injured Ms Martin. The medical cause of her death was recorded as "dog bite wounds to the upper right limb". A jury heard Ms Martin, who was 5ft 3in tall, had limited mobility following a hip replacement and had suffered "dozens and dozens" of injuries in the attack, including a bite through the tissue of her arm and a "complete fracturing" of the bone. Warren, now of Addlestone, Surrey, had left her with the two XL bullies and eight puppies of the same breed, at his home in Hillman Avenue. The amateur rapper had asked Ms Martin to mind the animals so he could travel to London to film a music video. Warren had pleaded not guilty to being the owner of a dog - Bear - which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place. He also denied being a person in charge of a dog - Beauty - which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place. Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free During the trial, at Chelmsford Crown Court, he said the XL bullies were "loving dogs" and were not "raised to attack or bite". The case was the first of its kind since new laws on owning XL bullies came into effect at the start of 2024 , Essex Police said at the time. An inquest hearing was previously told Ms Martin was found unrespons...
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