An up-and-coming rapper is asserting that he was not responsible for overseeing two XL Bullies that fatally attacked a grandmother during her visit to his residence.
Ashley Warren, aged 41, has confessed to owning one of the dogs involved in the tragic incident that led to the death of Esther Martin, aged 68. However, he has refuted the ownership of the other dog. The court proceedings at Chelmsford Crown Court revealed Warren’s belief that Ms. Martin was a suitable individual to be in control of the dog he possessed.
Ms. Martin, retired from Tesco and living in Woodford Green, east London, met her demise on February 3, 2024, at Warren’s former residence on Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.
Warren has pleaded not guilty to the charge of being the owner of an XL Bully named Bear, which caused Ms. Martin’s injuries and subsequent death while being dangerously out of control in a private setting.
Addressing the jurors, Mr. Justice Johnson stated, “It is undisputed that Mr. Warren was the owner of the XL Bully named Bear, which was out of control and resulted in injuries to Esther Martin leading to her death.” The defense argument revolves around Warren’s belief in Ms. Martin’s capability to manage the dog responsibly.
Warren has also denied being in control of another XL Bully named Beauty, which also inflicted injuries on Ms. Martin leading to her demise in a public area. The judge highlighted that while there was no dispute about the dog’s involvement in the fatal incident, Warren contested the claim of being ‘in charge’ of Beauty.
During the proceedings, Warren, characterized by tattoos on his face, hands, and neck, appeared in court wearing a loose-fitting black leather-style jacket. He also faces a separate charge of possessing a knife at Clacton railway station on the same day.
Mr. Justice Johnson instructed the jury to determine whether Warren had a lawful excuse for carrying the knife and emphasized the importance of relying solely on the evidence presented in court without conducting independent research. The judge cautioned that some evidence might be distressing but assured that images of Ms. Martin would be presented in a sensitive manner.
The trial, anticipated to extend over five weeks, was adjourned until the forthcoming Monday for the prosecution led by Christopher Paxton KC to commence their case.
Initially, Warren’s address was cited as Leyton, east London, during his first appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court, but it was revealed that he had relocated to Surrey.
Following a distressing discovery at Warren’s former residence in Jaywick, where Ms. Martin was found with fatal injuries, two XL Bullies were euthanized at the scene. Essex Police confirmed the breed of the dogs. Ms. Martin’s cause of death was attributed to severe dog bite wounds.
The trial is ongoing.
