Matthew Williams has appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court and denied a single count of being the owner or person in charge of a dangerously out of control dog, causing injury resulting in death. The charge relates to the death of 78-year-old Lila Hall, also known as Carol, who died following an incident in Wolverhampton.
The 37-year-old, of Wallace Road, Wolverhampton, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday, August 18. The court heard that the two dogs involved were mixed Bully breeds named Hank and King.
Emergency Response and Family Tribute
Emergency services were called to a property in Willis Pearson Avenue, Wolverhampton, at 11.30pm on Wednesday, April 15. Lila Hall could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. West Midlands Police previously confirmed that the dogs were destroyed at the scene.
Ms Hall's family paid tribute to her, saying: "Lila, also known as Carol, was fun-loving, outgoing, hilarious and everyone’s friend. We wish to thank the emergency services involved and thank you for the kind messages, flowers and words from family and friends."
Trial Date Set
Judge Michael Chambers KC told Williams that he will stand trial on October 11, 2027. The trial is expected to last up to five days. Williams was released on bail.
Williams is next due to appear in court for the trial, where the case will be heard in full. The charges relate to an incident that has drawn significant local attention, with flowers left at the scene in Wolverhampton.
