A dog owner whose XL bullies attacked and killed a man has pleaded guilty to having dogs dangerously out of control.

Ian Price, 52, was attacked by two dogs outside a property in Stonnall, Staffordshire on 14 September 2023, and died later in hospital.

Just hours later, then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the XL bully breed would be banned in England and Wales.

At Stafford Crown Court, James Harrison Trimble-Pettitt, 32, admitted two counts of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control and he is due to be sentenced on 5 January.

A number of people attempted to help Mr Price during the attack by trying to get the dogs off him, Staffordshire Police said.

One of the dogs died during the incident, the force confirmed, while the other was given a lethal injection by a vet inside the owner’s flat.

In a statement following Trimble-Pettitt’s guilty plea, Mr Price’s family thanked members of the public who tried to help, the emergency services and hospital staff.

“Our family has been overwhelmed by the love and support shown to us since that dreadful day and we thank you all for your kind words and actions,” they said.

“Ian was full of life and loved by many. Anyone who knew him will remember his enthusiasm and passion for life but, above all, his kind and generous spirit.”

Trimble-Pettitt originally pleaded guilty in January but on a basis that the dogs’ escape was due to a momentary lapse of concentration, police said.

This basis of plea was not accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service and a trial of issue began on Monday.

A trial of issue is where the defendant admits an offence on the basis of a different version of facts from that put forward by the prosecution.

Thomas Schofield, defending, told the court on Monday the defendant wanted to avoid putting Mr Price’s family through a “stressful” hearing.

Prosecution barrister Peter Grieves-Smith said Trimble-Pettit, who looked sombre in the dock and wore a black suit and tie, had “arrogantly disregarded his responsibilities” as a dog owner.

He admitted full culpability on Tuesday, during the trial’s second day.

Det Supt Cheryl Hannan, of Staffordshire Police, said: “Ian’s injuries, caused by the dogs attacking him, were catastrophic and he tragically died a short time later.

“The simple fact is that Trimble-Pettitt didn’t secure his dogs properly and Ian’s death could have been avoided.”