Ashley Warren is in prison after his two XL Bully dogs fatally attacked 68-year-old Esther Martin at a property in Jaywick, Essex, on 3 February 2024. On 31 March 2026, the 41-year-old was sentenced to 10 years and three months in prison at Chelmsford Crown Court after being convicted of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing death. He has been banned from owning dogs for life.
Who Is Ashley Warren?
Ashley Warren, 41, of Garfield Road, Addlestone, was an aspiring rapper who kept multiple XL Bully dogs at a property in Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, Essex. Warren was not present at the property on the day of the fatal attack — he had travelled to London and left Esther Martin, 68, to look after the animals. He was arrested upon his return. Warren denied wrongdoing throughout the investigation and trial, claiming the dogs were “loving” animals. A jury at Chelmsford Crown Court rejected that claim, finding him guilty of a serious criminal offence.
The Fatal Dog Attack
On 3 February 2024 — just three days after new legislation made owning XL Bullies without an exemption certificate illegal — Esther Martin, 68, was attacked by two adult XL Bullies at Warren’s address in Jaywick. Mrs Martin had limited mobility following a hip replacement and was trying to separate eight puppies that were fighting at the property when the adult dogs turned on her. She sustained at least 60 injuries, the majority of which were consistent with a dog attack, before dying from her injuries. Warren did not hold the required exemption certificates for his XL Bullies, meaning his ownership of the dogs was illegal under the legislation that had come into force just days earlier. The case became one of the highest-profile XL Bully prosecutions in the United Kingdom.
Trial and Conviction
Warren’s trial took place at Chelmsford Crown Court. Prosecutors presented evidence establishing that he had kept XL Bullies illegally, without the mandatory exemption certificates introduced under the Dangerous Dogs Act amendment. Warren told the court the dogs were “loving” and denied responsibility for Mrs Martin’s death. The jury rejected his account and found him guilty. He was also found guilty of possession of a knife in a public place. The case prompted national debate about the enforcement of the XL Bully ban and the responsibilities placed on dog owners.
The Sentence Explained
On 31 March 2026, Ashley Warren was sentenced to 10 years in prison for owning a dog dangerously out of control causing death, with a consecutive three months for possessing a knife — bringing his total sentence to 10 years and three months. He was also issued with a lifetime ban on owning dogs. Families of prisoners serving sentences in England can find out more about booking a prison visit and sending money to a prisoner through official channels. The Crown Prosecution Service described the sentence as reflecting the gravity of the loss and the dangerous circumstances created by Warren’s unlawful ownership of the dogs.
XL Bullies and the Law
The XL Bully was added to the list of prohibited dog types under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in February 2024. From 31 January 2024, it became illegal to own an XL Bully in England and Wales without an exemption certificate issued by the government. The exemption certificate required owners to neuter the dog, microchip it, keep it on a lead and muzzled in public, and take out third-party insurance. Warren had failed to obtain these certificates. The timing of the attack — three days after the ban came into force — highlighted the difficulties authorities faced in enforcing the new legislation rapidly. Warren’s conviction under the Dangerous Dogs Act sends a clear message about the criminal liability attached to keeping dangerous dogs without the required safeguards. Anyone with concerns about dog ownership and the supervision conditions attached to sentences for serious offences can find further guidance through official government resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ashley Warren in prison?
Ashley Warren is in prison because his two XL Bully dogs fatally attacked Esther Martin, aged 68, at a property in Jaywick, Essex, on 3 February 2024. He was convicted of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing death and sentenced to 10 years and three months in prison on 31 March 2026 at Chelmsford Crown Court.
How long is Ashley Warren in prison for?
Ashley Warren was sentenced to a total of 10 years and three months in prison. The sentence comprises 10 years for owning a dog dangerously out of control causing death, with a consecutive three months for possessing a knife in public. He has also been banned from owning dogs for the rest of his life.
What happened to Esther Martin?
Esther Martin, 68, was fatally attacked by two adult XL Bully dogs at Ashley Warren’s property in Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, on 3 February 2024. She had limited mobility following a hip replacement and was attempting to separate puppies that were fighting when the adult dogs turned on her. She sustained at least 60 injuries and died as a result of the attack. Warren was in London at the time and had left Mrs Martin to look after the animals.
Were Ashley Warren’s dogs legally kept?
No. Ashley Warren did not hold the required exemption certificates for his XL Bully dogs. The XL Bully breed was added to the prohibited list under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, with ownership without an exemption certificate becoming illegal from 31 January 2024. The fatal attack on Esther Martin took place just three days after the ban came into force, meaning Warren was in breach of the new law at the time of the attack.
When was Ashley Warren sentenced?
Ashley Warren was sentenced on 31 March 2026 at Chelmsford Crown Court. He had been found guilty earlier in February 2026 following a trial at the same court. The sentencing followed a victim impact statement from Esther Martin’s daughter, Sonia, which was read to the court during proceedings.
