Man admits owning XL Bully that mauled dog walker to death

Beast wrapped jaws around neck of dad, 54, as he tried to protect puppy

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

A MAN yesterday pleaded guilty to owning an XL Bully which mauled his neighbour to death as he tried to protect his puppy.

Christopher Bell's powerful white and tan dog Titan lunged at Ian Langley, 54, as he was out walking his patterdale terrier Beau.

Witnesses told how Titan pounced to wrap his jaws around Ian's neck after he bent down to protect his pet.

Beau escaped but Ian, a dad of one, staggered from the scene with blood pouring from his wounds.

Paramedics arrived and fought to save his life.

But he suffered catastrophic injuries and died in hospital following the attack near his home.

Newcastle crown court heard the XL Bully - a breed now banned in the UK was dangerously out of control during the attack in Shiney Row, near Sunderland, last year.

Prosecutors said Bell, 45, had come running out of his home with his two dogs to chase after Ian,believing he had been responsible for a smashed window.