Essex Man Faces Justice Over Woman’s Fatal XL Bully Attack
A senior Essex detective has pinned the blame on Ashley Warren for the tragic death of Esther Martin, mauled to death by two deadly XL Bully dogs in Jaywick.
Woman Killed Trying to Break Up Puppy Fight
Esther Martin, 68, was fatally attacked on Saturday, 3 February 2024 while trying to separate eight fighting puppies at a Hillman Avenue home. The two adult XL Bullies, male Bear and female Beauty, turned on her viciously. Esther, who had health and mobility issues and limited dog experience, was described as cautious around the dogs.
Owner Absent as Tragedy Unfolded – Arrest Follows
Ashley Warren, 41, of Garfield Road, Addleston, was away in London during the attack, leaving Esther in charge of the dogs. Police discovered the dogs living in filthy conditions with no bedding. Text messages revealed Warren struggled to feed and control the animals. On his return, Warren was arrested and charged with multiple offences including:
- Two counts of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing death
- Two counts of custody of prohibited dogs
- Two counts under the Animal Welfare Act
- Possession of a knife in a public place
- Possession of a Class B drug
New Laws, Court Verdict and Awaited Sentence
Esther’s brutal death came just three days after new laws banned owning XL Bullies without an exemption certificate. Warren claimed to have the paperwork, but police confirmed no valid certificates for Bear and Beauty.
On 19 February, Chelmsford Crown Court found Warren guilty of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing death and possession of a knife. He was cleared of another charge relating to injury resulting in death. His sentencing is set for 1 April.
“These animals were large, powerful, and difficult to control – we have been able to show Ashley Warren is culpable for Esther’s death,” said the senior investigating officer.
