Dad Breaks Down in Tears as He Faces Manslaughter Charge After Man Dies Following Dog Attack in Wakefield

Lee Ellis sat in the dock fighting back tears as a court heard how a dispute over a right of way on a footpath ended with the death of another 55-year-old man.

The 55-year-old father-of-two, from Blacker Lane in Calder Grove, Wakefield, appeared at Bradford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 18, charged with manslaughter over the death of James Judge.

Ellis is also accused of being the owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death.

The case follows an incident on Saturday afternoon, August 15, on an old railway-line footpath off Blacker Lane in the Calder Grove area. Police were called after reports of an altercation, during which Mr Judge was bitten by a dog. He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.

Ellis Becomes Emotional in the Dock

Ellis arrived at court shortly before noon wearing a grey tracksuit and was escorted into the glass-fronted dock by a female prison officer.

Unshaven and visibly distressed, he kept his hands behind his back and took several deep breaths as he confirmed his name and address.

As prosecutors outlined the allegations, Ellis began crying. The prison officer passed him tissues, while he repeatedly wiped his eyes and face.

At one point, the red-eyed defendant leaned forward and appeared to struggle to hear what was being said. He cupped a hand around his ear before wiping away more tears.

He was not asked to enter a plea during the hearing.

What Happened on the Footpath?

The court heard that Ellis, a farrier, had been walking his two dogs when an altercation developed between him and Mr Judge.

One of the dogs has been described as an Alsatian crossed with an Australian Huntaway, while police have separately confirmed that a German Shepherd seized during the investigation remains in police kennels.

Prosecutor Georgina Fishwick told Bradford Magistrates’ Court that the initial post-mortem examination could not establish exactly how many times Mr Judge had been bitten.

However, she said a bite to the back of his right knee was a direct contributor to his death.

The court also heard that both men called 999 after the incident. Mr Judge reportedly made a call to say that he had been injured before later succumbing to his injuries in hospital.

Defence Says the Incident Began With a Dispute Over Right of Way

Representing Ellis, solicitor Rob Fones told the court that the confrontation began with a verbal dispute over who had the right of way.

He said Ellis had been walking his two dogs near his home, along a route where he regularly walked them at certain times of the day.

According to the defence account, Ellis encountered Mr Judge and the two became involved in a verbal altercation. Fones said Ellis then walked away, but Mr Judge followed him.

The defence has indicated that Ellis will contest the case.

Ellis Released on Bail

Despite being described in court as facing a “very serious offence”, Ellis was granted conditional bail by District Judge Mark Daley.

One of the conditions requires him to sleep at his home every night.

Ellis thanked the judge after being released and is due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on September 16, when he is expected to enter a plea.

The dog seized in connection with the investigation remains in police custody while inquiries continue. West Yorkshire Police has also said that the family of the man who died is being supported by specially trained officers.

A Farrier With Longstanding Local Connections

Ellis is self-employed as a farrier and has been described as having lived in the area for around 30 years.

He is known for his interest in horses and has frequently posted videos showing himself caring for horses’ hooves and attending agricultural shows.

The court proceedings mark the latest stage in an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Judge’s death. Ellis faces the allegations but has not been convicted of either offence.