Aspiring rapper jailed for owning XL bully dogs that mauled mother-in-law two days after ban
Aspiring Rapper Jailed for 10 Years After XL Bully Dogs Kill Mother-in-Law
Ashley Warren, 41, was sentenced to a decade in prison after two XL bully dogs, which he and his girlfriend owned, attacked and fatally injured his mother-in-law, Esther Martin, 68, just two days after the breed was outlawed. The incident occurred in Jaywick, Essex, when Warren left Martin in charge of the animals while he traveled to London to shoot a music video in February 2024.
According to police, Martin sustained severe injuries including multiple bites to her back, chest, abdomen, head, and limbs. The dogs had not been walked for four weeks, and the attack happened when she attempted to intervene in a struggle between the puppies. Officers had to use tasers to subdue the animals before safely entering the residence.
Conviction and Sentencing
A jury recently convicted Warren of endangering someone with a dog dangerously out of control, leading to fatal injury. He was also found guilty of carrying a knife in a public area. During sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Mr Justice Johnson emphasized the severity of the incident, stating, “She had suffered a catastrophic bleed which resulted in her death.”
“The incident was foreseeable and indeed had been foreseen by those who sought to warn you about the dogs,” the judge told Warren.
Impact on Family
In a heartfelt statement, Martin’s daughter, Kelly Fretwell, described the emotional toll of the tragedy: “Today’s sentencing brings a sense of relief and a long-awaited path towards peace for our family. While nothing can truly compensate for the loss of our mum, we are grateful that the court has recognized the gravity of this tragedy.”
“His actions—and inactions—have caused me to lose a mother and a friend. I have hatred towards him and wish he’d never come into contact with my family,” Fretwell added.
Another daughter, Sonia Martin-Coppen, shared memories of her late mother, calling her “a great laugh” and “a wicked sense of humour.” She highlighted Martin’s role as a cherished figure in the lives of many: “She will be remembered for being a great friend to many, a sister, an aunt, a mother, and a great-grandmother. But to us, she was and always will be our mum.”
Police Response and Statement
Essex Police released a statement following the verdict, acknowledging the difficulty of the investigation: “Our thoughts today are with Esther’s family, as they have been throughout our investigation. No sentence can ever bring Esther back, but I hope this result will help them move forward.”
“This was a challenging and complex investigation, and the first of its kind in the country following the change in legislation. I want to thank my team for their diligence, professionalism, and dedication.”
Footage from the scene, released after Warren’s conviction, captured the moment officers entered the property on 3 February 2024. The video highlighted the chaos of the attack, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the consequences of Warren’s decision to leave the dogs unattended.
