XL bully death attack accused in court

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Christopher Bell did not enter a plea during the hearing on Friday

A man charged over a fatal attack by an XL bully dog is due to appear at crown court next month.

Ian Langley, 54, originally from Liverpool, died in hospital after being attacked in Shiney Row, near Sunderland, last October.

Christopher Bell, 45, of De La Pole Avenue, Hull, was charged with being in charge of a dangerously out of control animal, causing injury resulting in death.

He did not enter a plea during a hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Friday and is set to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on 18 November.

The dog involved in the attack was destroyed at the scene.

Since 1 February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.

The animals must also be muzzled in public and neutered.

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