Ashley Warren is accused of owning or being in charge of two XL bully dogs that killed pensioner Esther Martin, 68, in Jaywick, Essex, in what was described as a ‘tragedy waiting to happen’
An aspiring rapper on trial following the fatal mauling of a grandmother by two XL bullies reportedly told police “it’s a shame about all the laws.” Ashley Warren is facing trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, charged with owning or being responsible for two XL bully dogs that killed 68 year old pensioner Esther Martin in an incident described as a “tragedy waiting to happen”.
Jurors were shown body-cam footage of officers forcing entry into the property on Hillman Avenue in Jaywick, Essex, where Ms Martin lay inside, on 3rd February 2024.
A large contingent of police, some carrying riot shields and others deploying Tasers, were present at the scene. Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC informed the court on Monday: “Such was the ferocity of the dogs that police officers and emergency services were unable to enter the home until the police deployed and used their Tasers.”
Eight XL bully puppies, along with the two adult dogs named Bear and Beauty, resided in the property.
The attack occurred just two days after the Government criminalised ownership of an XL bully in England and Wales without a certificate of exemption.
The defendant, who kept his head lowered throughout the hearing, had not sought a certificate for any of the ten dogs, the court was told. Days prior, on 23rd January, Warren was questioned by police regarding an unrelated matter, while three puppies squirmed next to him on a sofa.
A video was shown to the jury in which the defendant stated: “It’s a shame about all the laws and all of that but, you know, as long as I don’t breed them… now I suppose it’s OK.”
He continued, “I was going to keep four of them for myself but obviously now (with) all the stuff, I’ll just keep him,” gesturing towards one dog playing with a ball. “My boy’s got papers already, my Bear,” he added.
The defendant went on to say: “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.”
He further explained, “I’ve had a lot of breeds (of) dogs and these dogs are so loyal and friendly it’s unbelievable.”
He also noted, “I’ve only seen them try to attack people when someone’s tried to attack the owners.”
He then expressed his disbelief, saying, “So yeah, it’s just mad to me.”
He compared them to other breeds, stating, “You get them little poodles that come up to you and go rah, rah, rah, you know – they’re more aggressive.”
An undated video, presented to the jury and released by Essex Police, depicted two large adult dogs, surrounded by puppies, snarling and snapping at each other as they pulled on a toy inside a house.
A Ring doorbell recording from 31 January 2024 – the final date for owners to apply for exemption – showed Warren sprinting down the residential street outside his home after Bear had escaped. The defendant could be seen leaning backwards to hold the unmuzzled and unleashed dog.
Government guidelines issued on 31 December 2023 stated that it would be illegal to have an XL bully in a public space without proper restraint.
After showing the video, Mr Paxton questioned: “If the defendant struggled, as this video shows he did, how would the 5ft 3in 68-year-old Esther Martin cope with these XL bully adult dogs?”.
The prosecutor revealed that Warren had requested Ms Martin to look after his pets while he travelled to London for a music video shoot.
This was despite her mobility challenges, lack of dog training skills and “little to no experience” of being alone with them for an extended period, he added.
Another video, recorded on a different day, depicted Ms Martin stumbling as she approached to sing karaoke.
Warren, currently out on bail, has pleaded not guilty to owning a dog named Bear which caused injury leading to death while dangerously out of control in a private place.
He also refutes the charge of being responsible for a dog named Beauty which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place.
The prosecution stated that Warren acknowledges ownership of Bear and responsibility for Beauty, his girlfriend’s dog, which he had been sheltering, feeding and caring for.
He also concedes that both dogs were dangerously out of control in his home, the court was informed.
However, the defendant disputes the charges on the basis that he reasonably believed Ms Martin was a “fit and proper person to be in charge” of the dogs, according to Mr Paxton.
Warren also refutes the charge of possessing a bladed article without a valid reason or lawful authority at Clacton railway station on 3 February 2024.
The defendant acknowledges that he had a knife, but plans to argue that it was a prop for a music video he was filming in London that day, the court was informed.
The trial is ongoing.