XL Bully Owner Found Guilty in Mother-in-Law’s Fatal Mauling

Ashley Warren, an amateur rapper from Jaywick, Essex, has been found guilty of owning one of two XL bully dogs that fatally mauled his 68-year-old mother-in-law, Esther Martin, in February 2024. The conviction marks the first successful prosecution under the UK’s new laws targeting the breed, which came into effect just two days before the attack.

The Fatal Attack

On February 3, 2024, Esther Martin was attacked by two XL bully dogs and eight puppies while looking after them at Warren’s home in Jaywick, Essex, while he was away filming a music video in London . Martin suffered “dozens and dozens” of bite wounds and died within minutes . Police arriving at the scene were forced to use stun guns to control the dogs and gain access to the property .

The Trial and Verdict

Warren was found guilty of owning Bear, the dog directly responsible for the fatal injuries . He was cleared of being in charge of the second dog, Beauty, which also injured Martin, as it belonged to his girlfriend . The jury also found him guilty of possessing a knife at Clacton railway station on the day of the tragedy , claiming it was a prop for his music video.

Previous Warnings and Breed Ban

Prior to the attack, Warren had told police his XL bully dogs were misunderstood, even suggesting they were less vicious than a poodle . The incident occurred shortly after the XL bully breed was banned in the UK, requiring owners to register their dogs or face potential seizure and prosecution . In January 2025, police seized unregistered XL bullies from Warren’s property .

Sentencing

Ashley Warren is scheduled to be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on April 1, 2024 . He faces a potential prison sentence.

Esther Martin Remembered

Esther Martin, described as a “loving and doting grandmother,” had mobility issues due to a hip replacement and arthritis . Prosecutors argued that leaving her alone with the dogs was “a tragedy waiting to happen” .