A man accused over the death of a woman who was mauled by two XL bully dogs in Essex has appeared before a court. Esther Martin, 68, was mauled to death by the dogs – named in court papers as Beauty and Bear – in Jaywick on February 3 this year. Ashley Warren, 40, appeared before Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (August 22) 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, wore a chunky chain round his neck as he listened to proceedings from the secure dock. 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 a plea to two counts of owning or being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. Read more: Essex man who killed best friend in crash plans to 'never drive again Read more: Woman dies after serious crash involving pedestrians and car in Dagenham 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 said, on behalf of Warren, that there would be a not guilty plea to 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. Presiding magistrate Beverly Davies granted Warren conditi.