Jaywick XL bully attack trial finds Ashley Warren guilty
BBC World
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ashley Warren, an amateur rapper, has been found guilty of owning one of two XL bully dogs that killed his mother-in-law, Esther Martin, in a fatal attack. The incident occurred at his home in Jaywick, Essex, on 3 February 2024, while Warren was filming a music video in London. Bear, one of the dogs involved, mauled Martin to death, causing dozens of bite wounds that led to her death. Warren, who denied ownership and control over the dogs, was convicted by an 11-1 majority jury verdict for owning Bear but cleared of charges related to the other dog, Beauty.
The trial revealed that leaving Martin, a 68-year-old woman with mobility issues, alone with the powerful XL bully dogs was a "tragedy waiting to happen."Prosecutors highlighted her limited ability to manage the dogs, which were described as "towering and ferocious."Warren, who had been in a relationship with Martin's daughter, Clare, for 14 years before her death in 2021, was aware of his mother-in-law's physical limitations. The jury heard evidence that the XL bullies were banned under new laws, and Warren failed to obtain necessary exemptions or muzzles for the dogs.
The case marks the first prosecution under the XL bully dog laws. Martin's family described her as a "doting grandmother" who was tragically left in charge of the dangerous animals. The jury deliberated for over 14 hours before convicting Warren, who emotionally claimed the dogs were "gentle" and expressed remorse over Martin's death.
The trial underscores the dangers of high-risk dog breeds and the importance of compliance with pet safety laws. As public interest grows in pet-related tragedies, this case highlights the potential consequences of failing to adhere to regulations aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals. Warren will be sentenced on 1 April, facing a significant penalty for his role in Martin's death and unlawful possession of a knife.
This verdict sets a precedent for enforcing stricter controls on dangerous dog breeds and emphasizes the need for responsible pet
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/19/2026