A 55-year-old man has died from complications stemming from a leg wound inflicted by a dog during an altercation over a right of way. The incident, which occurred in August in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, led to the death of James Judge. An inquest into his death was opened and subsequently adjourned pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.
Inquest Opens into Fatal Dog Bite Incident
The opening of the inquest heard that James Judge sustained a bite to the back of his right knee from an Alsatian-Australian Huntaway cross dog. The dog reportedly belonged to local landowner Lee Ellis, also 55. The confrontation took place on a footpath, and Mr. Judge later died from complications arising from the leg wound. He was pronounced dead at Leeds General Infirmary shortly after 7 p.m. on the day of the incident. His mother formally identified him.
A provisional cause of death, determined by a post-mortem examination, was cited as complications of a right leg wound caused by a dog bite. The inquest was informed that Mr. Judge was unmarried and resided in Horbury, Wakefield, the same area where he was born.
Allegations Surrounding the Confrontation
According to allegations presented, the dispute between Mr. Judge and Mr. Ellis originated from an argument concerning a right of way. It is understood that Mr. Judge may have been filming Mr. Ellis on his mobile phone and threatened to report him to the authorities. Reports suggest Mr. Judge became agitated during the argument and allegedly pushed Mr. Ellis in the face.
At some point during the altercation, the dog bit Mr. Judge. Mr. Ellis then reportedly attempted to separate the animal from the scene. Following the encounter, both men are said to have independently contacted emergency services by dialing 999.
It is believed that Mr. Ellis, upon realizing Mr. Judge had been bitten, called for an ambulance and offered assistance. However, he was allegedly instructed by an emergency operator to leave the location. Shortly thereafter, two members of the public discovered Mr. Judge, who was bleeding, and alerted authorities.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Lee Ellis has been charged with manslaughter and being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death. He appeared at Bradford Magistrates’ Court last month and was granted bail. His solicitor confirmed to the court that the incident stemmed from a disagreement over a right of way.
Mr. Ellis is scheduled to appear next at Leeds Crown Court on September 16. The inquest has been adjourned by Acting Senior Coroner Oliver Longstaff, who stated it would resume pending the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
Background on the Location and Individuals
The incident occurred near an old train line footpath off Blacker Lane in the Calder Grove area of Wakefield. Records indicate Lee Ellis purchased his agricultural property in this vicinity for £5,000 in 2002. He and his ex-wife reportedly undertook renovations on the property themselves, including the construction of stables.
Mr. Ellis is known locally as a farrier and frequently shares videos online related to horse hoof care. He and his ex-wife, with whom he has two children, separated earlier this year. Neighbours had observed the couple riding horses in the area.
Signs warning of guard dogs are visible on the exterior of Mr. Ellis’s property. Some neighbors have commented on the dogs’ tendency to bark loudly, with one mentioning their son felt apprehensive walking past the house due to the noise. Another resident described the area as generally quiet and well-trodden, particularly the path where the incident took place, noting its popularity with dog walkers.
Conclusion of Inquest and Next Steps
The inquest into James Judge’s death has been formally opened and adjourned. The coroner emphasized that the proceedings would be paused until the criminal case against Lee Ellis reaches its conclusion. The focus remains on establishing the full circumstances surrounding the fatal dog bite and the subsequent complications that led to Mr. Judge’s death.
