Son's heartbreaking statement after Ian Langley mauled to death by XL Bully

Ian Langley
-Credit:handout


The family of a man who was mauled to death by an XL Bully have spoken about their devastating loss.

Ian Langley, 54, died in hospital after being attacked by Christopher Bell's dog, Titan, outside a house on Maple Terrace, in Shiney Row, near Sunderland. Bell pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control which caused injury resulting in death.

Bell, 45, was jailed for three years and banned from keeping dogs for life at Newcastle Crown Court on January 27.

READ MORE: Ian Langley death: What sentence could killer XL Bully owner Christopher Bell get at court today

READ MORE: Friend of XL Bully victim Ian Langley's fury at sentence handed to killer dog owner

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In an emotional statement read out in court, Ian’s son, Jayke Langley, said: “My father, Ian Peter Langley, was not only loved by everyone in the community but was also my role model and the best influence in my life.

“His kindness and generosity shaped me into who I am, and he taught me to always make time for others and give to those less fortunate.”

After learning of Ian’s tragic passing whilst living abroad, Jayke described feeling “a sense of dread” with “disturbing images” immediately filling his mind.

He added: “The loss of my father affected every part of my life.

“I felt like I had lost a part of myself, and my usual happiness and outgoing nature had vanished. Personally, I thought I was managing, but others could see that I wasn’t the same person.”

Paul Langley, Ian’s brother, shared a statement on behalf of the wider family from Liverpool who he grew up with.

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He said: “Ian was a loving dad and uncle, a huge character loved by friends and family. Our family miss the almost daily calls Ian made home to chat to his brothers and sisters."

Following Ian’s death, Paul said “watching the news coverage in the hours and days following was devastating.”

He added that, “at times there was no escaping it” which in turn “made the grieving process extremely hard” - and that Ian’s whole family continue to struggle with their “sense of loss.”

The court heard on at around 6.55pm on October 3 2023, Mr Langley was seen outside Bell's home and threw a stone the property, causing a window to smash. Prosecutor Jolyon Perks told the court Bell ran out of the house and Titan, along with his second XL Bully, Sapphire, followed through the open door.

As a chase took place, Titan overtook Bell and ran into a passageway and brought Mr Langley to the ground before taking hold of his neck, the court heard.

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Mr Perks said the dog "resisted" attempts to let go of Mr Langley before being pulled away by the defendant who took the dog home and returning to call 999.

The court heard Mr Langley was taken to hospital but had suffered "catastrophic" injuries and was pronounced dead. Mr Perks said armed police were dispatched to the scene and Titan was shot, with Sapphire later put down.

In mitigation, Sam Faulks defending told the court Bell was “profoundly sorry” before adding: “If he could turn back the clock he certainly would.” Mr Faulks said it was not a deliberate offence and it was a “horrible accident”.

Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Henry, of Northumbria Police, said: “As ever, our thoughts continue to be with Ian’s loved ones following his tragic death. I would like to commend them for the significant strength they have shown throughout the proceedings to get to this point.

“While no result will bring Ian back to them, it is only right that Bell has today been jailed for three years, and has been banned for life from keeping dogs, for his part in Ian’s devastating passing.”

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He added: “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.

“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.”