Man, 40, is charged over death of grandmother, 68, mauled by two XL Bullies in front of her own grandson in Jaywick

A man has been charged with the death of a grandmother who was mauled to death by two XL Bullies in front of her own grandson. 

Ashley Warren, 40, has been charged over the death of Esther Martin who was killed by two XL Bully dogs in Essex in February, in the first case of its kind since new laws on owning XL Bullies came into force this year, Essex Police said.

Ms Martin suffered unsurvivable wounds in the attack at a house in Jaywick in Essex in February, while visiting her grandson.

On Thursday, Essex Police said Warren, of Leyton, north east London, has been charged with two counts of owning or being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and two counts of possession or having custody of a fighting dog.

Warren, formerly of Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, also faces two charges under the Animal Welfare Act, and single counts of possession of a bladed article and possession of a Class B drug.

He is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday August 22.

Essex Police confirmed it was the first case to be charged since new laws on owning XL Bullies came into force on February 1.

This is a breaking news story and is being updated.