Man charged after grandmother was mauled to death by two XL Bullies

A man has been charged over the death of Esther Martin, who was killed by two XL Bully dogs in Essex earlier this year.

Ashley Warren, 40, has been charged in the first case of its kind since new laws on owning XL Bullies came into force this year, Essex Police said.

Esther Martin, 68, was attacked by two XL Bully dogs which belonged to Ashley Warren.

Now, Warren has been charged with:

• Two counts 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;
• Two counts under the Animal Welfare Act;
• Possession of a bladed article;
• Possession of a Class B drug.

He was initially arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences after Esther was mauled to death by his two dogs in Jaywick, Essex, in February.

Warren will appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on August 22, in the first case to be charged since new laws involving XL Bullies came into effect earlier this year.

Esther had been visiting her 11-year-old grandson when she is said to have used a broom to distract the dogs’ six puppies that were fighting.

It’s believed the two adult dogs then turned on her.

Esther was heard by neighbours screaming ‘Get off, get off’ as her grandson ran out onto the street to get help.

Emotional tributes were given to Esther, who lived in Woodford Green, London.

Her son, Paul, wrote: ‘Love you lots mum. Sleep tight. Until we meet again. Your memory will live forever.’

Another family member said: ‘She had the most cheeky laugh, we will always remember her that way.’

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