Man, 45, admits owning ‘dangerous and out of control’ XL Bully which mauled to death his neighbour, 54, in horror attack

A MAN has admitted owning a dangerous and out of control XL bully dog which mauled his neighbour to death.

Ian Langley, 54, suffered horror injuries after an XL Bully named Titan went for his throat as he was walked his puppy in October last year.

He had been trying to protect his Patterdale pet Bow when the horror attack took place outside his home Shiney Row, near Sunderland, but died of his injuries in hospital the same day.

Ian's neighbour Christopher Bell, 45, was arrested a short time later.

In September, following a lengthy police probe, he was charged with being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

He has today admitted the offence at Newcastle Crown Court.

Bell was granted bail ahead of sentencing on January 27 next year.

Police rushed to the scene and shot Titan dead to protect the public on October 3 last year.

In a video shared on social media, an armed officer stood on ladders to reach over a fence into a yard and shoot the animal from the road.

Ian's puppy managed to escape after he put himself in harm's way.

The pet bolted to a neighbour's house, where it was looked after in the aftermath of the shocking attack.

A second dog, another XL bully, was also seized by police at the scene.

Tributes flooded in following Ian's tragic death last year.

Speaking at the time, Michael Kennedy said he had known Ian for more than 20 years.

He added: “He never did any harm, he was not a violent person, he wasn’t a hard man, he wasn’t the type to go looking for trouble.

“He was really thin, he would have no chance against a big dog.”

Friend Rachael Barron, 31, said: "It's absolutely devastating that
this has happened to him, he is a lovely, kind man.

"He's very slight of build and could not hurt a fly, he would have
stood no chance against a dog as big as that, it makes me feel sick to
think about it.

"I don't know exactly what has happened but if another dog was trying to get at Beau, Scouse would have done anything to protect him.

"We have been devastated, I haven't even been able to tell the kids
yet, they will be so upset. Everyone knew and liked him, he was a
lovely guy.

"He didn't work but spent all his time with Bow or helping out in
people's allotments. He just liked to be around people."

Another pal added: "He didn’t deserve to die.

“He was a canny lad. He was friendly. It’s a tragedy.”

Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Henry, of Northumbria Police, said: "Our thoughts continue to be with Ian’s loved ones following his tragic death.

"They have shown significant strength during this time.

"We also recognise the impact this devastating incident had on the wider community and I would like to thank all those who have helped with the investigation.”

He added: "This case highlights the very tragic consequences of what can happen when people fail to control dogs within their care.

"We would urge everyone to follow the legislation and guidance in place to help protect themselves and others from events like this happening in the future."