Double XL bully death-attack accused denies charges

Ian Price, 52, died after being attacked by two XL bully dogs in Stonnall, Staffordshire

A dog owner who was charged after a man was fatally injured in an attack by two XL bully dogs, has appeared in court to plead not guilty.

James Trimble-Pettit, 31, of Tye Road in Fradley, Lichfield, is charged with two counts of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control where death is caused.

He was arrested after Ian Price, 52, died in hospital from serious injuries he sustained on Main Street, Stonnall, Staffordshire, on 14 September 2023.

At Stafford Crown Court earlier, Mr Trimble-Pettit spoke only to confirm his name, before not guilty pleas to the two offences were entered.

James Trimble-Pettit pleaded not guilty to two counts of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control where death is caused

The defendant is due to go on trial from 13 October 2025.

A previous court hearing heard the two dogs involved were a champagne-coloured female called Via and a white male named Ares.

In the aftermath of the attack, one of the dogs had died when it was being restrained and the other died after being injected by a vet.

Mr Trimble-Pettit was told his trial will take place in October next year