Dog owner in court after XL Bully 'Titan' mauled neighbour to death as he protected puppy

A man has pleaded guilty to being the owner of a XL bully which killed his neighbour while it was dangerously out of control. Ian Langley, 54, suffered fatal neck injuries when he was attacked while he walked his puppy in Shiney Row near Sunderland on October 3 last year.

Christopher Bell, 45, formerly of Maple Terrace, Shiney Row, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he 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 next year. His dog, Titan, was shot by police following the incident last year in order to protect the public.

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The charge listed the animal as "an American bully XL". It was understood at the time that another XL bully was taken away by police for public safety.

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.

"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. 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."

Brumwish 2024 - buy a gift for a child in need

BrumWish 2024 is Birmingham Live's festive drive to get thousands of gifts to children and young people across our city - among them the homeless, the vulnerable, kids in care, kids who are poorly or struggling, and kids who have little.

There are THREE simple ways to help.

1. Buy a new gift from the Brumwish 2024 Amazon giftlist. In just a click your donation will be whizzing its way to our volunteers at Edgbaston Stadium.
2. Donate money to the appeal fund hosted by Thrive Together Birmingham - this will help pay for gifts for kids with specialist needs or specific wishes.
3. Buy a gift and, even better, rope in friends, neighbours and workmates to do the same, then drop off your pressies at Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Road, B5 7QU on Friday 6th December, 10am - 3pm; Saturday 7th December, 10am - 1pm; or Monday 9th December, 10am - 1pm. Volunteers will be there to help you. Please don't wrap your gifts. You can also drop off by arrangement until Monday 16th December - contact Louise on 07469 979286.

Thanks to our partnership with #Toys4Birmingham, every single gift will find a good home in the loving care of a child living in B&Bs or hotels, hostels or refuges, children receiving support from specialist organisations and charities, and families being supported by children's centres and charities around the city.

Making up the Brumwish and Toys4Birmingham gang are Thrive Together Birmingham, Birmingham Playcare Network, Warwickshire Cricket Foundation (the charitable arm of Warwickshire County Cricket Club), Birmingham Forward Steps and BirminghamLive/Birmingham Mail.

Thank you to Amazon UK and the amazing team at the Sutton Coldfield depot for their support.