XL bully owner faces court after dog killed neighbour as he walked his puppy

A man has appeared in court after his XL bully killed his neighbour. The dog, named in court documents as Titan, attacked Ian Langley as he walked his puppy.

The 54-year-old suffered fatal neck injuries. Titan, described in court documents as an 'American bully XL' dog, was dangerously out of control at the time.

Christopher Bell, 45, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today (November 18) where he admitted owning Titan. Mr Langley died following the attack in Shiney Row, near Sunderland, on October 3 last year.

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Police shot Titan at the scene to protect the public. It was understood at the time that another XL bully was taken away by police for public safety.

Bell, formerly of Maple Terrace, Shiney Row, pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog which caused injury leading to death while dangerously out of control in a public place. Bell, now living in Coltman Street, Hull, was granted bail and will be sentenced on January 27.

Neighbours said Mr Langley, who was originally from Liverpool, was walking his Patterdale puppy called Bow when he was attacked. His puppy bolted and managed to escape and was being looked after by a neighbour in the aftermath of the shocking attack which horrified residents living on the estate.

At the time, Michael Kennedy, also from Shiney Row, said he had known Mr Langley for more than 20 years, and said many people knew him simply as 'Scouse'. He said: “He was a really nice lad, he came from Liverpool, he was a lovable rogue you might say.”

Mr Kennedy added: “He never did any harm, he was not a violent person, he wasn’t a hard man, he wasn’t the type to go looking for trouble. He was really thin, he would have no chance against a big dog.”

In a video shared on social media last year, an armed police officer stood on ladders to reach over a fence into a yard and shoot the animal from the road. Northumbria Police said the emergency services were called to Maple Terrace just before 7pm on October 3 last year, where they found Mr Langley seriously injured.

He died in hospital that evening. Bell was initially arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and after Mr Langley died, he was re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

In September, following a lengthy police investigation, he was charged with being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. The force said the breed is now banned in this country - and since February this year it has been a criminal offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate.

The dogs must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public places, as well as neutered. Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Henry, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with Ian’s loved ones following his tragic death.

“They have shown significant strength during this time. We also recognise the impact this devastating incident had on the wider community and I would like to thank all those who have helped with the investigation.”

He added: “This case highlights the very tragic consequences of what can happen when people fail to control dogs within their care. We would urge everyone to follow the legislation and guidance in place to help protect themselves and others from events like this happening in the future.”