A pensioner with restricted mobility due to a hip replacement, arthritis, and a limp was left supervising 10 XL bully dogs weighing a combined 190kg (400lbs) before two of them fatally attacked her, a court has heard.

The Fatal Attack

Esther Martin, 68, and standing at 5ft 3in, suffered at least 60 dog-related injuries during the mauling at a home in Jaywick, Essex, on February 3, 2024. The incident involved two adult XL bullies named Beauty and Bear, along with eight puppies of the same breed.

The adult dogs weighed 83lbs and 103lbs respectively, while each puppy ranged from 20lbs to 26lbs. Prosecutors described the pack as unpredictable, towering, and muscular, noting the dogs had not been walked for four weeks prior to the attack.

Police officers could not enter the property until they deployed Tasers and used shields due to the animals’ ferocity.

Owner’s Actions and Victim’s Condition

Ashley Warren, 41, now residing in Addlestone, Surrey, left Ms Martin in charge of the dogs while he traveled to London to film a music video. The pair had known each other for over 12 years, so Warren was fully aware of her mobility limitations.

Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC called it ludicrous to believe Ms Martin could control the powerful dogs, stating: ‘No one would reasonably believe that Esther could control those dogs with the physicality and power that they clearly possessed, never mind the fact that there was not just one adult XL bully dog but two, with eight puppies in tow.’

Timing and Legal Context

The attack occurred just two days after owning an XL bully became a criminal offense in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.

Charges Faced

Warren has pleaded not guilty to owning Bear, which caused fatal injuries while dangerously out of control in a private place. He also denies being in charge of Beauty during the same incident and possessing a bladed article without good reason at Clacton railway station on the same day.

The trial continues.