Man in court for fatal XL bullying attack

A man has appeared in court after a fatal XL Bully attack which killed his neighbour, who weighed just eight stone.

Ian Langley, 54, was killed while walking his puppy in Shiney Row near Sunderland on October 3 last year.

Christopher Bell, 45, formerly of Maple Terrace, Shiney Row, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court charged with leading a dog that became dangerously out of control causing death.

The indictment called the dog Titan – “an American Bully XL.”

Police shot the dog on the spot 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 submits that the nature of the matter and its seriousness are such that it should be heard by the Crown Court.”

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

She has since granted him unconditional bail.

Neighbors 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 serious neck injuries.