Sunderland XL bullying case goes to crown court

A man charged over a fatal attack by an XL bat dog is due to appear at the crown court next month.

Ian Langley, 54, originally from Liverpool, died in hospital after being attacked in Shiney Row, near Sunderland, last October.

Christopher Bell, 45, of De La Pole Avenue, Hull, was charged with driving a dangerously out-of-control animal causing injury resulting in death.

He entered no plea during a hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Friday and is due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on November 18.

The dog was destroyed at the scene of the accident.

Since February 1, 2024, it has been a criminal offense in England and Wales to own an XL Bully without an exemption.

Even in public, the animals must wear a muzzle and be castrated.