A wannabe drill rapper wept before a court hearing today over the death of his mother-in-law after she was mauled by two XL Bully dogs.
Ashley Warren was seen crying in a side room as he waited to appear before magistrates accused with a number of serious offences.
He is the first person to be charged since new laws concerning the ownership and registration of XL Bullies came into force on February 1.
Esther Martin, 68, died at Warren’s home in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3 after the attack by the pets, named in court papers as Bear and Beauty, which were shot dead by police.
The bald-headed 40-year-old, who has tattoos on his face, neck and hands, arrived at Colchester Magistrates’ Court with a female companion who swore at reporters.
Ashley Warren (pictured) attended Colchester Magistrates’ Court and entered no plea for two charges of owning or being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, two counts of possession or having custody of a fighting dog, and two allegations under the Animal Welfare Act
Esther Martin (pictured) was mauled to death by two XL bully dogs on February 3
He was wearing a grey patterned sweatshirt, black jeans, white trainers and a gold chain around his neck.
During the short hearing, Warren entered no plea for two charges of owning or being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, two counts of possession or having custody of a fighting dog, and two allegations under the Animal Welfare Act.
He admitted one charge of possessing cannabis, for which he was fined £80, plus £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
His lawyer, Ian Clift, said this was a ‘small amount of cannabis for personal use’.
Referring to the charges about the dog attack, presiding magistrate Beverly Davies told the defendant: ‘These are in the most serious category and will have to be heard in the crown court.’
Warren pleaded not guilty to a further offence of carrying a bladed article in a public place when he was arrested at Clacton railway station. The case will also be heard at the higher court.
A plea and directions hearing was set for September 19 at Chelmsford Crown Court, which the defendant must attend.
He left the court hand in hand with his female friend, who made hand gestures at journalists.
His bail conditions included avoiding any contact with Mrs Martin’s son, Paul, who also attended court today but didn’t go into the hearing. Mr Martin declined to comment afterwards.
Mrs Martin is understood to have been visiting Warren’s house in Jaywick, Essex when she was set upon by the dogs.
Neighbours claimed she tried to fight them off with a broom while a man tried to smash a window with a brick to help her.
Warren left the court with a female friend who swore at the journalists
Paul Martin, the son of Esther Martin, leaves Colchester Magistrates’ Court after the hearing – which he did not attend
Warren’s bail conditions included avoiding any contact with Mrs Martin’s son, Paul (pictured). Mr Martin declined to comment afterwards
The hearing took place at Colchester Magistrates’ Court (pictured). Due to the severity of the charges, a plea and directions hearing was set for September 19 at Chelmsford Crown Court
Police stand outside Warren’s home in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3 after the attack by the pets, named in court papers as Bear and Beauty, which were shot dead by police
Armed police arrived within minutes and shot the dogs, which were reportedly caring for six puppies after Beauty gave birth.
Emergency services and neighbours battled to save Mrs Martin’s life but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
An inquest hearing previously heard she was found unresponsive inside the property and had sustained ‘unsurvivable’ dog bite wounds to the upper right limb.