The jury was shown pictures of the XL Bully puppy – pictured with Ashley Warren’s partner – at the Jaywick house [Ashley Warren]
Placing a 68-year-old woman with limited mobility in charge of 10 oversized bully dogs was a “tragedy waiting to happen”, a court heard.
Esther Martin was killed by two of Ashley Warren’s dogs at her home in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3, 2024.
Prosecutors at Chelmsford Crown Court said the combined weight of all 10 dogs at the property was up to 190kg (29st 13lb).
Warren, 41, denied owning or managing the two dogs – Beauty and Bear – that mauled Martin to death.
The amateur rapper asked his mother-in-law Martin to look after the dogs so he could film a music video in London.
Summing up the case, prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC said Martin, 5ft 3in (1.6m), had “limited movements” due to a hip replacement, arthritis and a limp.
Paxton said it was a “ridiculous suggestion” to suggest she could be considered a “suitable person” to control two adult XL bully dogs and eight puppies.
Prosecutors said there was “no basis” to believe Esther Martin could “physically stop the dogs” [Family handout]
He said the “total weight of the group” was up to 190 kilograms and the dogs were “unpredictable, tall and muscular” animals.
Warren was in a relationship with Martin’s daughter for 14 years until her sudden death in 2021.
Paxton said he would have been aware of her mobility issues and had “no basis” to believe she could “physically stop the dogs”.
The prosecutor added: “No one could reasonably believe that Esther could have controlled the dogs with the body and strength they clearly possessed.”
“The dogs were so aggressive that officers were unable to enter the house before deploying Tasers, which they entered not only with Tasers but also with shields.”
Ashley Warren faces trial at Chelmsford Crown Court [PA Media]
Jurors heard Martin suffered at least 60 injuries before his death, most involving dogs, and had not walked the animals in the four weeks before the attack.
Defense barrister Allan Compton KC said there was “no worrying incident” before Beauty and the Bear killed Martin.
He said: “As with all dog breeds, there can be good dogs and there can be bad dogs.
“We think what’s more important is the consistent behavior of a dog or a dog over months and years.”
Two days ago, the government made it a criminal offense in England and Wales to own an XL Bully car without an exemption certificate.
Warren also denied possessing a knife in a public place when he was arrested.
The trial continues.
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