Jaywick: Man guilty over death of Esther Martin

“These animals were large, powerful, and difficult to control – we have been able to show Ashley Warren is culpable for Esther’s death”.

That’s from a senior detective after Warren was convicted of offences connected to the death of Esther Martin in Jaywick.

Esther, 68, was attacked and fatally injured by two adult XL Bullies at an address in Hillman Avenue on Saturday 3 February 2024.

At the time she had been attempting to separate some of the eight puppies, which had also been left at the property, who were fighting.

At the time of the incident Warren was in London, having left Esther to look after the animals, and was arrested on his return.

During the trial, the court heard and saw evidence which showed the male dog – ‘Bear’ – was big and difficult to control.

They also saw evidence that the female dog – ‘Beauty’ – had a history of becoming aggressive when playing with the puppies.

Officers also found the dogs to be living in poor condition with a significant amount of ‘mess’ in the property and no dog beds. Text messages from Warren to his former partner indicated he was struggling to look after them and feed them.

The jury also heard that Esther had health and mobility issues, a lack of experience with dogs including looking after these specific animals, and was cautious around dogs.

The law around dangerous dogs effectively states that if the owner of a dog is not present, they must leave them with someone who is physically capable of looking after them.

Esther’s death happened three days after new legislation came into effect making owning XL Bullies illegal, unless the owner had an exemption certificate.

During interview Warren claimed to have registration documents for the dogs but through their enquiries officers established he did not possess exemption certificates for them.

Warren, 41, of Garfield Road, Addleston, was charged with:

• Two counts of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death;
• Two counts of custody of a prohibited dog;
• Two counts under the Animal Welfare Act;
• Possession of a knife in a public place;
• Possession of a Class B drug.

He was convicted on today (Thursday 19 February) of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and possession of a knife following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

He was found not guilty of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

He’s due to be sentenced at the same court on 1 April.

In a statement, Esther’s daughters Sonia and Kelly said:

“The loss of our mother, the matriarch of our family has left a huge void in our lives, and our family has been forever changed.

“Her devotion and selflessness to family ended her life prematurely.

“Mum’s life had started to turn a corner after the tragic death of her youngest daughter aged 29 in 2021. She had started to rediscover her zest for life and to live and laugh again.

“Mum’s new outlook found her travelling across the country on holidays, making new friends and connecting with family, especially her younger brother who looked up to our mum as a role model as he grew up. They would regularly spend time in each other’s company and were as thick as thieves.

“Our hearts are full of love when we think of the times we shared together and are broken at the thought of the times we will now miss with her.

“It’s still so difficult to think of life without our mum and we all feel blessed to have had her in our lives.

“Our mum will be remembered in many ways by many people, but we will remember her for her infectious laugh, comforting smile and wicked sense of humour.”

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, who led the investigation, said:

“I am pleased that we have been able to ensure Ashley Warren has been held accountable but I know that no verdict will ever bring Esther back.

“I know her death has had, and continues to have, a huge impact on her family and my thoughts are with them today as they continue to grieve the loss of their mother.

“Esther’s death was a needless tragedy and one that has affected the whole community in Jaywick.

“These animals we were able to prove were large, powerful, and difficult to control. Esther died in the most horrific of circumstances and Ashley Warren is culpable for her death.

“Our investigation established Warren was illegally owning the dogs, keeping them in poor conditions, and struggling to look after them.

“He knew Esther well. He would have been aware of her mobility and health issues and that if he struggled to control the dogs, she definitely would do too.

“His assertion that Esther had looked after the animals before was disingenuous because he knew she had never cared for them without another adult present.

“He selfishly took advantage of her good nature and left her with dangerous animals. That decision, ultimately, cost Esther her life.”

When Esther was attacked, neighbours were alerted to what was happening and tried valiantly to break into the property to help her.

Police were also called and the responding officers forced entry, incapacitated the dogs, and got Esther out.

Sadly, she died at the scene from her injuries.

DCI Metcalfe praised those who tried to save Esther’s life:

“I want to pay tribute to the unflinching bravery of the officers who responded within minutes to try and help Esther.

“Their professionalism and their actions meant that no-one else in the community was put at risk as a result of those dogs.

“I also want to pay tribute to the members of the public who tried to get into the house to help Esther.

“Their primary concern was Esther and trying to get her out of that house.

“You showed huge courage and you should be proud.”

Esther’s son Paul has released the following poem to express his feelings about his mother’s death:

“We had a wonderful mother, one who never really grew old;
“Her smile was made of sunshine, and her heart was solid gold.
“Her eyes shone bright like stars, and her cheeks were rosy and fair.
“We had a wonderful mother, and that's how we'll always remember her.

“You were there for every step, every stumble, and every fall.
“You guided us, pushed us, and encouraged us to stand tall.
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure we hold dear.
“You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure, always near.

“No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye.
“You were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why.

“My mother kept a garden, a garden of the heart.
“She planted seeds of love, kindness, and every good part.
“She nurtured self-esteem, taught me to stand strong and tough.
“I am my mother's garden, her legacy, her love.

“She prepared me for the future, taught me to face my fears.
“Though she's gone, her love remains, and her memory brings us tears.
“With constant, unwavering love, she'll always be with me.
“Though she's moved on from this world, I know she's watching from above.

“She'd tell me to be strong now and continue on without fear.
“I'll carry her love and legacy with me, always near.
“I love you, Mum.”

Esther’s brother Charlie said:

“Words cannot describe the devastation I feel at the loss of Esther.

“We grew up together in Walthamstow and I always admired and looked up to her as my big sister from a young age. This never changed even as we grew older and lived our lives.

“We remained close throughout and I have really fond memories of our times together.

“My grandchildren loved Esthers visits to my home as she would always bring them cakes and treats.

“Esther was in her element when she saw how happy this made grandchildren.

“Esther had suffered some sadness in her life with the passing of her youngest daughter Clare in 2021.

“Since then Esther and I grew even closer and we would spend hours upon hours chatting. Even though she is no longer here, I will never ever be able to forget her.”