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Owner Jailed After XL Bully Mauls Police Officer in Terrifying Attack

A dog owner whose XL bully savagely attacked a police officer in Leicestershire has been handed a lengthy prison sentence.

In a harrowing incident that unfolded in October 2023, the officer, who had only been inside a property on Lewis Close, Ibstock, for moments, found himself in a terrifying struggle for his life. The XL bully, having broken free from the kitchen, charged into the lounge and viciously bit the officer multiple times, leaving him requiring urgent surgery.

Picture credit: Leicestershire Police

Aden Hollyoake, 33, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison at Leicester Crown Court. His crimes included the illegal keeping of a pit bull, as well as several other offenses, all of which culminated in this chilling attack.

His partner, Shanell Lawrence, 26, who had a pivotal role in the dog’s release, was handed a community order after admitting to her involvement in the XL bully’s assault on the officer.

On October 26, two police officers arrived at Hollyoake’s home to speak with him, but he was not there. Instead, Lawrence, who now resides in Coalville, Leicestershire, welcomed them inside, casually mentioning she had dogs in the house—though she claimed they were safely secured in the kitchen.

Moments later, the nightmare began. As the officers stood in the doorway of the lounge, the XL bully—previously locked away—suddenly exploded into action. In a split second, it lunged at one officer, sinking its teeth into his leg. The two officers struggled in a desperate attempt to free him, but the dog’s ferocity was unrelenting. It wasn’t until nearly a minute later that the dog finally released its grip, leaving the officer severely injured.

Lawrence, in a panic, rushed the dog into the back garden, but the damage was done. The officer would require surgery to repair four deep bite wounds, while his colleague suffered a minor injury. Both dogs—an XL bully and a pit bull terrier—were seized from the property and placed in secure kennels.

In court, Hollyoake pleaded guilty to possessing a fighting dog, but his conviction went far beyond this single crime. Along with the dog offenses, he was found guilty of driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and possession of a controlled drug.

Lawrence, who was also charged for her role in the incident, admitted to being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog and to keeping a fighting dog. She was given a 12-month community order, though her actions had undeniably played a role in the terrifying attack.

Detective Constable James Highton described the attack as nothing short of “horrific.” The officers had entered the property with Lawrence’s permission, under the assumption that they were safe. But Lawrence herself admitted during her interview that the XL bully had previously breached the kitchen door and gotten into the lounge.

“She failed to properly secure the dog,” DC Highton said. “And when it breached the barrier, she was powerless to stop it. What followed was a brutal and terrifying attack on the officer—a situation that could have easily been avoided.”

Highton emphasized that Lawrence’s negligence had far-reaching consequences, leaving the officer with severe injuries. “This could have been so much worse,” he said. “The officer is lucky to have survived the ordeal. He was off work for a month to physically recover and has been left with a lasting fear of dogs—especially larger ones. The trauma of this attack will haunt him for a long time.”