XL bully owner appears in court over death of man attacked by dogs in Staffordshire

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A man has appeared in court over the death of a man who was attacked by two XL bully dogs near his home in Staffordshire a year ago.

Ian Price, 52, died in hospital after being seriously injured in the village of Stonnall, Staffordshire, at about 3.15pm on 14 September.

James Trimble-Pettit, 31, appeared at Cannock Magistrates’ Court today charged with two counts of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control where death is caused.

The court heard the two dogs involved were a champagne-coloured female XL bully called Via and a white XL bully male named Ares.

One of the dogs died after being restrained and the other died after being injected by a vet.

Appearing in court wearing a black suit and tie, Trimble-Pettit, of Fradley, Lichfield, spoke only to confirm his name and address, and to say he would not indicate a plea to the two charges he faces.

District Judge Ian Barnes, who appeared at the court via video-link, said the offences were too serious for him to be able to deal with.

He released Trimble-Pettit on the same bail conditions imposed by Staffordshire Police – that he must live and sleep at his address in Fradley, not enter Stonnall, and not be in the company of any dog.

The public gallery in the courtroom was packed with Mr Price’s friends and family.

Trimble-Pettit, who left the court quickly after the 10-minute hearing, must appear at Stafford Crown Court on October 7.