Dad's tears as he's charged with manslaughter over death of man bitten by dog in Wakefield

Dad's tears as he's charged with manslaughter over death of man bitten by dog in Wakefield Farrier Lee Ellis, aged 55, of Blacker Lane, Calder Grove, Wakefield, has been charged with the manslaughter of James Judge, also 55 A father-of-two has appeared in court where he broke down crying after being charged with manslaughter over the death of a man allegedly bitten by his Alsatian-cross dog. Farrier Lee Ellis, aged 55, of Blacker Lane, Calder Grove, Wakefield, has been charged with the manslaughter of James Judge, also 55. Mr Judge died after being bitten on a footpath just seconds from Ellis's home, the court heard. Ellis is also charged with being the "owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death". He appeared in the glass-lined dock at Bradford Magistrates' Court on Monday just before noon, escorted by one prison officer and spoke only to confirm his name and address. He was wearing a grey sweatshirt and gave his name as Lee Richard Ellis and date of birth as June 19, 1971. Ellis appeared distraught, shaking his head, as the charge was put to him. Ellis kept his hands behind his back was unshaven and taking deep breaths as the court heard he was out walking his two dogs when there was an "altercation" with Mr Judge. As he sat, he leaned forward to hear what was being said and was given tissues as he sat crying. The court heard the defendant recorded the incident and had passed the recording to the police. Ellis will next appear at Leeds crown court on September 16 to enter a plea. He was granted bail despite it being a "very serious offence". West Yorkshire Police were called to an altercation on the old railway line footpath off Blacker Lane in the Calder Grove area of Wakefield on Saturday afternoon. A dog seized as part of this investigation and continues to be held in police kennels. Detectives said they had identified and spoken to two other people who stopped to help the injured man at the scene following the incident at about 1.30pm. The family of Mr Judge are being supported by specially trained officers. Ellis bought his agricultural home for £5,000 in 2002 and renovated it with his ex-wife. The pair renovated the bungalow themselves, building huge stables next to it. He is a keen farrier and frequently posts videos showing him taking care of horse hooves and attending agricultural shows.