Hull man appears in court over fatal XL Bully dog attack

A man's been granted bail - after appearing in court over a fatal XL bully attack in Sunderland

Author: Ellie KumarPublished 18th Oct 2024

A Hull man's been granted bail - after appearing in court over a fatal XL bully attack in Sunderland.

Ian Langley, who was 54, and weighed just 8 stone at the time of his death, was killed whilst out walking his puppy Bow, in Shiney Row on October 3 last year.

Christopher Bell, 45, formerly of Maple Terrace, Shiney Row, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court charged with being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control resulting in death.

The charge named the dog as Titan - "an American Bully XL".

Police shot the dog at the scene to protect the public.

Bell, who gave his current address as De La Pole Avenue, Hull, did not enter a plea.

Anna Barker, prosecuting, said: "This is a tragic case which has resulted in the death of Ian Langley.

"The Crown submit that the nature of the case and its severity are such that it should be dealt with at the crown court."

District Judge Zoe Passfield agreed and adjourned the case for Bell to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on November 18.

She granted him unconditional bail in the meantime.

Neighbours said Mr Langley, who was originally from Liverpool, was walking his Patterdale puppy called Bow when he was attacked.

Mr Langley, who weighed just eight stone, suffered severe neck injuries.

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