A dog owner whose XL bullies fatally mauled a man has pleaded guilty to two charges of being the owner of dangerously out-of-control dogs that caused death. James Harrison Trimble-Pettitt, 32, of Fradley near Lichfield, admitted the charges at Stafford Crown Court on Tuesday and will be sentenced on January 5.
The two XL bullies attacked 52-year-old Ian Price in Main Street, Stonnall, just before 3:15pm on September 14, 2023. The dogs were named as Via, a champagne-coloured female, and Ares, a white male, according to earlier court hearings.
Members of the public tried desperately to get the dogs off Mr Price during the attack. He was taken to hospital in critical condition but died shortly afterwards.
Court proceedings unfold
One of the attacking dogs died during the incident after being restrained, whilst the other was given a lethal injection by a vet inside Trimble-Pettitt's flat. The defendant was arrested the same day as the attack.
Trimble-Pettitt had initially pleaded guilty in January this year, claiming the dogs escaped during a "momentary lapse in concentration". However, the Crown did not accept this basis, leading to a trial of issue that started on Monday.
Defence barrister Thomas Schofield KC told the court that Trimble-Pettitt wanted to avoid putting Mr Price's family through a "stressful" hearing. Prosecution counsel Peter Grieves-Smith said the defendant, who appeared sombre in the dock wearing a black suit and tie, had "arrogantly disregarded his responsibilities" as a dog owner.
Family pays tribute
In a statement released through Staffordshire Police, Mr Price's family thanked everyone who tried to help. "To every member of the public who tried to help Ian on that fateful day, we salute you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are heroes," they said.
The family also thanked emergency services, hospital staff, and police officers involved in the case. They described Ian as "full of life and loved by many" with "enthusiasm and passion for life, but above all his kind and generous spirit".
"He will live on in our hearts and in the children he adored," the family added.
Police response
Detective Superintendent Cheryl Hannan said Ian's injuries from the dog attack were "catastrophic". "The simple fact is that Trimble-Pettitt didn't secure his dogs properly and Ian's death could have been avoided," she added.
Hannan thanked the investigation team for their hard work in preparing evidence that led to the guilty pleas. She also praised all those who responded on the day of the attack.
Wider impact
Mr Price's death was among several attacks that led the Government to ban XL bullies. The ban made it a criminal offence to own an XL bully in England and Wales unless owners have a valid certificate of exemption.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about dangerous dog ownership and public safety.
Sources used: "Staffordshire Police", "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
