Prosecutors said the death of Ian Price ‘could have been avoided’ had James Harrison Trimble-Pettitt not failed to secure his two XL Bully dogs at his Staffordshire home
A dog owner made one crucial mistake in a “momentary lapse of concentration” before his two XL Bullies killed a 52-year-old man.
James Harrison Trimble-Pettitt, 32, from Staffordshire, has pleaded guilty at Stafford Crown Court to two counts of being the owner of a dog which, when dangerously out of control, caused the death of Ian Price. Mr Price, 52, was attacked by two XL Bullies – a champagne-coloured female named Via and white male named Ares – on Main Street in Stonnall, Staffordshire just before 3.15pm on September 14, 2023.
Prosecutors have said that Trimble-Pettitt, who was arrested the same day, had “arrogantly disregarded his responsibilities” as a dog owner on the day of the shock attack.
Staffordshire Live reports that he pleaded guilty to the charges in January this year, explaining away the issue as a “momentary lapse in concentration”. The Crown Prosecution Service, however, did not accept the explanation, with prosecutor Peter Grieves-Smith saying he had “disregarded his responsibilites” as a sombre-looking Trimble-Pettit took to the dock.
On the fateful day Mr Price was attacked, members of the public were forced to intervene to remove the dogs from the man, who was later rushed to hospital in critical condition. He died shortly after arrival.
Of the dogs involved in the attack, one died during the incident after being restrained, and another was destroyed via lethal injection by a vet inside the owner’s home. Trimble-Pettit has now admitted the charges. Detective Superintendent Cheryl Hannan, from Staffordshire Police, said in a statement that Mr Davis’ death “could have been avoided” had Trimble-Pettit ensured the two dogs were properly secured.
She said: “Ian’s injuries caused by the dogs attacking him were catastrophic, he tragically died a short time later. The simple fact is that Trimble-Pettitt didn’t secure his dogs properly and Ian’s death could have been avoided.
“Our thoughts remain with Ian’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. I’d like to thank the investigation team for their hard work and preparing the evidence that led to the guilty pleas. Also, to all those that responded on the day that Ian was attacked.” In their own statement, Mr Price’s family thanked people who tried to help him on the day he died.
The family said: “To every member of the public who tried to help Ian on that fateful day, we salute you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
“You are heroes. To the emergency services who attended on that day, and to the staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital who tried so desperately to save Ian, thank you. To the officers involved in Ian’s case, thank you for your dedication and perseverance. Particular thanks to go to our family liaison officer for her continued support and explanations.
“To our friends and family who wrapped their arms around us and never faltered, ‘thank you’ will never be enough. Our family has been overwhelmed by the love and support shown to us since that dreadful day and we thank you all for your kind words and actions. Ian was full of life and loved by many.
“Anyone who knew him will remember his enthusiasm and passion for life, but above all his kind and generous spirit. He will live on in our hearts and in the children he adored.”
Trimble-Pettit will be sentenced on January 5