The fatal mauling of a 68-year-old woman by two XL Bully dogs in Essex has laid bare the tragic human consequences behind the headlines of the UK’s recent ban on the breed, a court has heard. Esther Martin, a retired Tesco worker, sustained at least 60 dog-related injuries in an attack described by prosecutors as a “tragedy waiting to happen”.
A ‘Ludicrous’ Responsibility
Ashley Warren, 41, is on trial at Chelmsford Crown Court accused of owning or being in charge of the dogs that killed Ms Martin at his home on Hillman Avenue in Jaywick on 3 February 2024. The court heard the aspiring rapper, also described as a dancer and model, had asked Ms Martin to mind the animals so he could travel to London to film a music video. He left her with two adult XL Bullies, named Beauty and Bear, and eight puppies of the same breed.
Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC said Ms Martin, who was 5ft 3in, had “restricted” movement due to a hip replacement, arthritis, and a limp. He told jurors it was a “ludicrous suggestion” to consider her a “fit and proper person” to control the pack, whose combined weight was estimated between 180kg and 190kg – approximately 26 to 28 stone. The adult dogs weighed 39kg and 47kg, with the puppies each between 10kg and 12kg.
“No-one would reasonably believe that Esther could control those dogs with the physicality and power that they clearly possessed,” Mr Paxton said, adding that given Mr Warren had known Ms Martin for over 12 years, he would have been aware of her mobility issues. The victim’s daughter, Sonia Martin, identified the dogs as XL Bullies, stating there were eight in the house – six puppies and two adults.
Ferocity Required Tasers and Shields
The attack was of such ferocity that police officers were unable to enter the home until they had deployed Tasers and used shields, the court was told. Ms Martin’s 11-year-old grandson was reportedly in the house during the attack and ran out shouting for help. The dogs, which had not been walked for four weeks prior, were destroyed at the scene by officers.
Giving evidence, Mr Warren, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, stated the dogs were “loving dogs, friendly dogs, family dogs” and “weren’t raised to attack or bite.” He claimed he would not have left Ms Martin with them if he thought they were dangerous. The defendant, who stated he is on PIP benefits and has limited funds, told the court he had stopped walking the dogs in January 2024 due to fear of them being put down, noting a muzzle costs around £20.
Attack Follows New Law by 48 Hours
The mauling occurred just two days after a significant legal change. On 1 February 2024, it became a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales without a Certificate of Exemption, following a staged ban that began on 31 December 2023. Owners had until 31 January to apply for the certificate, which requires dogs to be microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled in public, neutered, and covered by third-party liability insurance. It is estimated up to 15,000 XL Bully dogs remained unregistered after the deadline.
During an unrelated police visit 11 days before the fatal attack, Mr Warren had reportedly told an officer, “it’s a shame about the laws” concerning owning XL Bully dogs. There is no record of previous complaints about the dogs involved being brought to police attention.
A Breed in the Spotlight
Post-mortem examinations confirmed the dogs involved were XL Bullies. The breed, a variant of the American Bully, is characterized by a muscular build, large head, and powerful physique, and is not recognised by major kennel clubs like the UK Kennel Club. XL Bullies have been disproportionately involved in fatal attacks in the UK, being responsible for half of all dog-related human deaths between 2021 and 2023. Esther Martin’s death was the first fatal dog attack in England and Wales in 2024.
While some campaign groups consider the breed inherently dangerous, breeders often emphasize that temperament depends heavily on training and socialization, describing them as potentially affectionate and loyal. Breeders also acknowledge they can be dangerous if improperly raised or bred, with some sources noting a genetic predisposition for predatory and reactive aggression linked to a history of being bred for fighting.
Trial Continues Amid Local Crime Context
Ashley Warren, now of Addlestone, Surrey, denies being the owner of the dog named Bear which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place, and being a person in charge of the dog named Beauty which did the same. He has also pleaded not guilty to possessing a bladed article without good reason at Clacton railway station on 3 February 2024. The trial, estimated to last three to four weeks, continues.
The attack took place in Jaywick, an area where reported crime was down 9% year-on-year as of October 2025, with violence with injury offences falling by 19%. However, crime statistics for the wider CO15 postcode area still indicated a high proportion of violent crime. The family of Esther Martin, including her daughter Kelly Fretwell, have expressed their grief and distress. Mr Warren, who was on conditional bail until 5 March following his arrest, sat in the dock with his head bowed during Monday’s hearing.
