Dangerous dog owner convicted for fatal attack

A dog owner whose XL bully fatally attacked another man has been convicted today at Newcastle Crown Court. 

Christopher Bell, 45, of De La Pole Avenue, Hull, pleaded guilty to one count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control resulting in death. The charge relates to an attack that occurred in October last year while Bell was living in Maple Terrace, Shiny Row.

Following the smashing of a window at his home, Bell ran from his address with his two dogs to chase Ian Langley, 54, who he thought to be responsible. Following a short pursuit one of Bell’s dogs, named ‘Titan,’ grabbed Langley by the throat causing catastrophic injuries, with Langley dying a short time later due to significant blood loss. 

Christopher Atkinson, Head of the Complex Casework Unit at CPS North East, said: “The injuries caused by the dog’s attack were catastrophic and, despite Bell making a panicked call to emergency services, Mr Langley tragically died a short time later. 

“It was clear from the evidence in this case that Bell had not attempted to control the dog as he chased Ian Langley, admitting in a police interview that his primary focus had been to catch Langley and that it was for this reason that he did not think to intervene in his dog’s pursuit. 

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Ian Langley, for whom this must remain a difficult time. We hope the conviction of Bell today provides some measure of comfort.”