A MAN accused over the death of a woman who was mauled to death by two XL bully dogs in Jaywick has appeared before magistrates. Esther Martin, 68, was attacked by the dogs – named in court papers as Beauty and Bear – on February 3 this year. Ashley Warren, 40, appeared before Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where he gave no indication of plea to a series of allegations relating to the dogs.
The bald-headed defendant, of Walnut Road in Leyton, east London, wore a chunky chain round his neck as he listened to proceedings from the secure dock. Family – Esther Martin's son, Paul Martin was at Colchester Magistrates' Court for the hearing on Thursday morning (Image: Joe Giddens, Press Association) Warren, who has tattoos on his face, neck and hands, was represented in court by Ian Clift, who said there would be no indication of plea to two counts of owning or being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. Warren, formerly of Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, also gave no indication of plea to two counts of possession or having custody of a fighting dog, and to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act.
Mr Clift, on behalf of Warren, said the defendant would deny an allegation of possession of a bladed article, and the defendant chose a crown court trial when asked by the court clerk if he wanted the matter heard in a crown or a magistrates court. Chair of the bench Beverly Davies granted Warren conditional bail until a plea hearing.