Man jailed after death of Ian Price

A man has been jailed after he admitted his XL bullies were out of control causing the death of Ian Price in Stonnall.

James Harrison Trimble-Pettitt, 33, of Handsacre, Rugeley, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment at Stafford Crown Court this afternoon (Thursday 12 February).

In October 2025, he pleaded guilty to two counts of being the owner of a dog which when dangerously out of control and caused the death of Ian Price.

Just before 3.15pm on 14 September 2023, two XL bullies attacked 52-year-old Ian Price on Main Street, Stonnall. A number of people helped to try and get the dogs off Ian.

Shortly after, officers attended the scene. Ian was taken to hospital in a critical condition and tragically died a short time later. One dog died during the incident and the other dog was given a lethal injection by a vet inside the Trimble-Pettitt’s flat. He was arrested the same day.

Ian’s family have issued the following statement: “Ian was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to many.

“Ian’s final act of trying to return a dog to the safety of its home shows who he was - a selfless man with a big heart. Kind, thoughtful and incredibly brave.

“His death leaves a hole in our lives that will never be filled, and he will be forever loved and missed.”

Detective Superintendent Cheryl Hannan, who leads our CID, said: “Ian’s death could have been avoided if Trimble-Pettitt took the action that any reasonable person would and secured his dogs properly. Ian suffered catastrophic injuries after being attacked and died a short time later.

“Our thoughts have been with Ian’s family and friends from the moment the incident happened and remain with them today.”