Ashley Warren is sentenced to 10 years in prison for owning one of two XL bully dogs that mauled his mother-in-law to death
The dog, named Bear, killed Esther Martin while she was at Warren's home in Essex in February 2024 - two days after the breed was banned
The judge describes the incident as a "sustained and repeated attack" that lasted "at least 12 minutes", and bans Warren from owning a dog for life
Martin's daughter tells the court her mother was "the centre of the family" and her death has left a void "which cannot be filled"
Warren became the first person to be charged with XL bully-related offences that came into force in February 2024 - these are the rules
Esther Martin was staying at Ashley Warren's home in Jaywick, Essex, when two XL bully dogs mauled her to death.
Warren had been in a relationship with Martin's daughter, Clare, for 14 years before she died suddenly in 2021.
During the trial, Warren wept many times. He insisted "happy, lovely" Martin had never shown any unease about the dogs and that he was "never going to get over" her death.
Laura Foster
at Chelmsford Crown Court
Image source, Essex PoliceEsther Martin died in February 2024
Esther Martin's family have previously told the BBC she had "an infectious laugh, comforting smile and a wicked sense of humour".
She grew up in Walthamstow, in east London, and later moved to Woodford Green on the London/Essex border.
Her daughters said the death of their 68-year-old mother in 2024 left "a huge void in our lives".
Stuart Woodward
at Chelmsford Crown Court
Warren is sitting in the dock now, wearing a black T-shirt, having stood to confirm his name.
Stuart Woodward
at Chelmsford Crown Court
There are eight members of the jury who have chosen to come to today's sentencing. The original jury - made up of eight women and four men - took 14 hours and 28 minutes to reach their verdicts in February.
Stuart Woodward
at Chelmsford Crown Court
Warren has walked into the dock, carrying two carrier bags of belongings. We are due to begin.
Laura Foster
at Chelmsford Crown Court
I have spotted Esther Martin's daughters and some of their friends in the public gallery in court one at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Some of them are clutching pieces of paper, which may indicate that they will later be telling the court how this case has affected them.
Stuart Woodward
at Chelmsford Crown Court
People have entered court one now, but we are waiting for the case to be officially called.
All 24 seats on the press side of the court are taken up as we await the start of proceedings.
An XL bully is the largest kind of American bully dog.
The UK government published guidance to help identify XL bullies,, external which are not a specific breed.
The guidance describes the animals as large dogs "with a muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power".
Male XL dogs stand from 20in (51cm) high at the shoulder, with female XLs only slightly smaller.
Dogs are considered XLs if they meet the minimum height and a substantial number of other characteristics.
Laura Foster
at Chelmsford Crown Court
As Warren approached Chelmsford Crown Court he shouted at members of the press - including myself - to "shut up" after he was asked questions.
He is now meeting with his barrister in a room near court one, where the sentencing will take place.
Image source, BBC/Jamie NiblockAshley Warren has just arrived at Chelmsford Crown Court for his sentencing after being convicted of owning one of two XL bully dogs that mauled Esther Martin to death.
He was wearing a pale grey puffer jacket and carrying a green carrier bag.
When asked if he had anything to say to the family of Esther Martin, he did not reply.
Sentencing was due to start at 10:30 BST, but proceedings in court one are delayed whilst another case is being heard.
New rules on owning XL bully dogs have been introduced in recent years.
Since 31 December 2023, it has been illegal to sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL bully.
Since 1 February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate.
In government guidance the dogs are described as being "large" with a "muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power for its size".
The incident in which Martin died came two days after it became a criminal offence to own an XL bully in England and Wales without a certificate of exemption.
Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC said Warren was aware his dogs were banned but acted as if the law did not apply to him, choosing not to get an exemption certificate or muzzles.
Image source, PA MediaAmateur rapper Ashley Warren is due to be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court after he was found guilty in February of owning one of two XL bully dogs that mauled Esther Martin to death.
The pet, named Bear, killed Esther Martin, 68, while she was at Warren's home in Jaywick, Essex, on 3 February 2024.
Warren was filming a music video in London when Martin suffered "dozens and dozens" of bite wounds.
In the trial he had denied being the owner or in charge of two dogs that caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place.