ACC Glen Pavelin delivers statement after Ashley Warren convicted

Описание: “These animals were large, powerful, and difficult to control – we have been able to show Ashley Warren is culpable for Esther’s death”.

That’s from a senior detective after Warren was convicted of offences connected to the death of Esther Martin in Jaywick.

Esther, 68, was attacked and fatally injured by two adult XL Bullies at an address in Hillman Avenue on Saturday 3 February 2024.

At the time she had been attempting to separate some of the eight puppies, which had also been left at the property, who were fighting.

At the time of the incident Warren was in London, having left Esther to look after the animals, and was arrested on his return.

During the trial, the court heard and saw evidence which showed the male dog – ‘Bear’ – was big and difficult to control.

They also saw evidence that the female dog – ‘Beauty’ – had a history of becoming aggressive when playing with the puppies.

Officers also found the dogs to be living in poor condition with a significant amount of ‘mess’ in the property and no dog beds. Text messages from Warren to his former partner indicated he was struggling to look after them and feed them.

The jury also heard that Esther had health and mobility issues, a lack of experience with dogs including looking after these specific animals, and was cautious around dogs.

The law around dangerous dogs effectively states that if the owner of a dog is not present, they must leave them with someone who is physically capable of looking after them.

Esther’s death happened three days after new legislation came into effect making owning XL Bullies illegal, unless the owner had an exemption certificate.

During interview Warren claimed to have registration documents for the dogs but through their enquiries officers established he did not possess exemption certificates for them.

Warren, 41, of Garfield Road, Addleston, was charged with:

Two counts of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death;
Two counts of custody of a prohibited dog;
Two counts under the Animal Welfare Act;
Possession of a knife in a public place;
Possession of a Class B drug.
He was convicted on today (Thursday 19 February) of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and possession of a knife following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

He was found not guilty of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

He’s due to be sentenced at the same court on 1 April.