Esther Martin was fatally mauled after being asked to look after 10 XL bullies by son-in-law Ashley Warren — and now her loved ones have said they are happy that he is in prison
The family of a pensioner who was mauled to death by two XL bullies have said they are thrilled that justice has been served. It comes as her son-in-law has been found guilty of owning one of the dogs that killed her.
Esther Martin, 68, was killed after she was brutally killed by two big dogs, which had been given to her by Ashley Warren. He had asked her to look after all ten dogs he was responsible for as he travelled to London to shoot a music video.
Now, as the rapper has been convicted of owning one of the dogs responsible for killing Esther, her loved ones have broken their silence on the ruling. They admitted they are happy that someone will finally be held responsible and punished for Esther’s death.
According to the Sun, Esther had been suffering from arthritis when she was asked to look after ten XL bullies by Warren on February 3, 2024. The dogs had a combined weight of 30 stone and Esther had no experience of looking after the dangerous breeds and soon suffered a multitude of bites and cuts across her body — wounds which eventually proved fatal.
Earlier this week Ashley, 41, was found guilty in court of owning one of the dogs, in what was the first fatal attack by an XL bully after a ban on the breed had came in just two days prior. Warren denied all responsibility, adding that he had “papers” for his dogs — a comment proven false.
Now Esther’s daughter Sonia has said her family have welcomed the ruling. She said: “It’s very good news; it doesn’t change the fact that mum was killed in such a horrific way. But we are pleased that there has been a degree of justice that will be fully served.”
Sonia’s sister Kelly Fretwell also paid tribute, adding: “Mum was the matriarch in our family and her loss is felt by us every single day.” In a joint statement after the verdict, Esther’s family had said that her sudden death had left her loved ones “forever changed”.
Esther’s son Paul had posted his own tribute on Facebook, as he shared his sheer shock and heartbreak at his mother’s passing. “Love you lots mum. Sleep tight and give Clare Louise a big hug from me love you both lots.
“Until we meet again,” he added in his touching message. “Your memory will live forever.”
Warren had been aware of the ban on XL bullies coming into force, but it was revealed that he had not bothered to secure a certificate of exemption before the ban was enacted. Esther herself had reportedly warned him about getting the certificate, but he had retorted: “No one is going to tell me what to do with my own f*****g dogs.”
When he was visited by police just 11 days before the attack, he had described the ban as a “shame”, insisting: “My boy’s got papers already.” He also said: “These dogs are so friendly it’s unbelievable, it’s like I’ve only seen them ever attack people when (they’re attacked).”
Warren, appearing before Chelmsford Crown Court, pleaded not guilty of being the owner of the two dogs that caused the injuries that resulted in Esther’s death. However, while he was acquitted of one count, he was convicted of the other and is now due to be sentenced on April 1.
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