Man Charged With Manslaughter After German Shepherd Bite Proves Fatal in Wakefield

A 55-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter after another man died following a dog attack during an altercation on a footpath in Wakefield.

Lee Ellis, 55, has been charged over the death of 55-year-old James Judge, who was bitten by a German Shepherd on the old train line footpath off Blacker Lane in the Calder Grove area of Wakefield on Saturday, August 15.

Ellis also faces a charge of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death.

The case follows a police investigation that was initially launched as a suspected murder inquiry.

Man died after being bitten during altercation

West Yorkshire Police received reports of an altercation on the disused railway footpath at around 1.36pm on Saturday.

During the incident, Mr Judge was bitten by a German Shepherd.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died shortly after 7pm that evening.

Police had initially arrested another 55-year-old man on suspicion of murder and being the owner of a dangerously out-of-control dog in a public place causing injury.

The investigation subsequently resulted in the manslaughter charges against Ellis.

A German Shepherd believed to have been involved in the incident was seized by officers and remains in police kennels.

The victim’s family is being supported by specially trained officers.

Dispute reportedly involved right of way

Further details emerged when Ellis appeared at Bradford Magistrates’ Court on August 18.

His solicitor, Rob Fones, said the incident followed a verbal altercation concerning a “right of way”.

The court heard that an initial post-mortem examination had been unable to establish the exact number of dog bites sustained by Mr Judge.

Prosecutors said a bite to the back of his right knee significantly contributed to his death.

Ellis did not enter a plea during the hearing and indicated through his solicitor that he intended to contest the case.

District Judge Mark Daley granted him conditional bail, requiring him to remain at his home overnight. His next appearance is scheduled for September 16 at Leeds Crown Court.

Police continue to investigate what happened

The footpath where the incident occurred is an area used by walkers, and detectives have been working to establish exactly what happened during the confrontation.

Two people who stopped to help the injured man have been identified and spoken to by police.

West Yorkshire Police had previously appealed for the witnesses to come forward, including two women, one of whom was named Sophie, after they stopped to assist Mr Judge and direct officers to the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Cox, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said officers were continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the death and urged anyone else who may have seen or heard the altercation to contact investigators.

He also warned against speculation about those involved, noting that inaccurate claims had circulated online while the investigation was ongoing.

The German Shepherd remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

The charges against Ellis are allegations, and the case will now proceed through the courts.