Owner of XL Bully that mauled dog walker to death seen for first time

Christopher Bell has appeared in South Tyneside magistrates court charged with having a dog that was dangerously out of control in the attack that resulted in the death of Ian Langley

This is the first picture of the man accused of owning an XL bully that mauled a dog walker to death last October.

Christopher Bell, 45, appeared before a judge today charged with having a dog that was dangerously out of control in the attack that resulted in the death of Ian Langley.

Bell, now living in Hull, Humberside, appeared before District Judge Zoe Passfield in a short hearing at South Tyneside magistrates court.

He was accused of being the owner of an American Bully XL which was out of control, and that injured Ian Langley who died as a result of the injuries, contrary to section 3(1) and (4) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Prosecutor Anna Barker told the court: "This is a tragic case which resulted in the death of Ian Langley. The crown submits that the nature of the case, the severity and the likely sentence is such that it should be dealt with at the crown court."

Judge Passfield said: "I agree with that and decline jurisdiction." She told Bell, who did not enter a plea, that he would be released on unconditional bail. The attack happened before the XL bully ban came into force on January 1 this year, making it illegal to own the breed without an exemption certificate.

Mr Bell is due to appear at Newcastle crown court on November 18.