The Jaywick XL bully owner whose dog killed his mother-in-law
BBC World
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ashley Warren, a resident of Jaywick, Essex, made history as the first person in England and Wales to face prosecution under the XL bully laws after his dogs killed his mother-in-law, Esther Martin. The tragic incident occurred on February 3, 2024, when Martin, 68, was left alone at Warren's property while he filmed a music video in London. Despite Warren's claims that his XL bullies were friendly and less aggressive than poodles, the dogs attacked Martin, resulting in her death within minutes due to severe bite injuries.
Warren had previously expressed disregard for the dogs' potential dangers. During a police visit in January 2024, he falsely claimed to have exemption paperwork for one of the dogs, Bear, and downplayed their aggression, even comparing them to poodles as less vicious. Surveillance footage showed Warren struggling to control Bear, who weighed over 47kg (103lbs), highlighting his awareness of the dogs' immense power. This evidence played a crucial role in the trial, where jurors were shown video footage of Martin's screams and the dogs' ferocity.
The case has sparked significant attention due to the severity of the attack and its implications for public safety. Dog behavior expert Dr. Candy D'Sa testified that Martin suffered level six bites, the most severe classification, which caused fatal injuries. Police intervention was delayed as they feared entering the property would be too dangerous, opting instead to use a stun gun to subdue the dogs through a broken window. Both Bear and Beauty were ultimately euthanized at the scene.
This case underscores the importance of stricter regulations on large and powerful dog breeds. It raises questions about responsibility in pet ownership and the need for comprehensive oversight to prevent similar tragedies. The outcome highlights the potential consequences of mismanaging dangerous animals and serves as a cautionary tale for the public.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/19/2026