The American XL bully owner whose dog killed a neighbour “failed to control” it as he chased the victim suspecting he had put out a window at his home, it has emerged.

More details of the fatal attack in Shiney Row, near Sunderland, surfaced after the XL Bully owner was convicted at Newcastle Crown Court today (Monday November 18).

Christopher Bell, 45, now of Hull, pleaded guilty to a single count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, resulting in death.

He will be sentenced at the court in January.

(Image: Tom Wilkinson, PA) The charge arose from a tragic incident in October last year when Bell and the victim, Ian Langley, both lived in Maple Terrace, Shiney Row.

Following the smashing of a window at his home, Bell was said to have run from his address with his two dogs to chase Mr Langley, who he thought was responsible.

After a short pursuit, one of Bell’s dogs, an XL Bully named ‘Titan’, grabbed Mr Langley by the throat, causing catastrophic injuries.

The 54-year-old victim died a short time later due to significant blood loss.

(Image: North News) Christopher Atkinson, the Head of the Complex Casework Unit, at the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) North East, said: “The injuries caused by the dog’s attack were catastrophic.

“Despite Bell making a panicked call to emergency services, Mr Langley tragically died a short time later.

“It was clear from the evidence in this case that Bell had not attempted to control the dog as he chased Ian Langley, admitting in a police interview that his primary focus had been to catch Mr Langley.

“It was for this reason that he did not think to intervene in his dog’s pursuit.

(Image: PA) “Our thoughts remain with the family of Ian Langley, for whom this must remain a difficult time.

“We hope the conviction of Bell today provides some measure of comfort.”

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Owner admits charge over fatal XL Bully attack in Shiney Row

Man in court over fatal XL bully attack in Shiney Row​

Man charged after fatal dog attack by XL Bully in Shiney Row

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Following his guilty plea, Bell was told by Judge Robert Adams that, “all sentencing options will be open to the court” when he returns to be sentenced in the New Year.

He asked the Probation Service to prepare a background report on Bell prior to the sentencing hearing.

The defendant was bailed to an address in Coltman Street, Hull, to return to the court to be