Woman 'not scared' of XL bullies that killed her

An amateur rapper accused of owning two XL bully dogs that killed his mother-in-law has denied she was frightened of the animals.

The pets mauled Esther Martin, 68, to death, while she was dog-sitting at Ashley Warren's house in Jaywick, Essex, on 3 February 2024.

Warren told jurors at Chelmsford Crown Court he was "never going to get over" the attack, which happened two days after the breed was banned in the UK.

The 41-year-old denies owning or being in charge of the two dogs - called Bear and Beauty - responsible for killing Martin.

He had been filming a music video in London when the attack happened at about 15:30 GMT.

Martin suffered "dozens and dozens" of bite wounds while watching the two dogs and eight puppies, prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC said.

During cross-examination, Paxton put it to Warren that Martin was "terrified" of the dogs and had confided in family members about it.

Warren responded: "She never mentioned the dogs were dangerous, she only said that the dogs were big.

"If she was frightened she wouldn't have been there, she wouldn't have consented to coming down.

He told the jury Martin liked his dogs and "used to stroke them and make a fuss of them".

Paxton said Warren "provoked" the situation by telling Martin to use a broom to break up the puppies if they started fighting.

Warren said the prosecutor was "twisting it", adding: "Whatever happens, I'm never going to get over it."

He said Martin was happy for him to leave her with the XL bullies, telling the court her last words to him were, "just go".

The trial has been told Warren had not purchased a £60 exemption certificate for his dogs, required after the breed was banned, nor £20 muzzles for them.

He told the jury he could not afford them, but Paxton said Warren spent £1,200 on a camera in December 2023.

The defendant said he was "unaware" of what the new XL bully laws required him to do.

Asked why he had a knife with him when he was arrested, Warren said it was a prop he could use in his music video.

He said "I'm totally against knives", adding: "I'm a creator, I'm not a criminal."

The trial continues.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.