Man charged after fatal attack on former railway footpath in Calder Grove
A Wakefield man has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a 55-year-old local resident who was attacked by a German Shepherd on a footpath off Blacker Lane.
Emergency services were called to the scene on the old train-line path in the Calder Grove area on Saturday afternoon. The victim, identified in court as James Judge, 55, was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died shortly after 7pm. His family are being supported by specially trained officers, West Yorkshire Police said.
The defendant, Lee Ellis, 55, appeared at Bradford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with manslaughter and an offence of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death. He did not enter a plea at the magistrates’ court and was bailed to appear at Leeds Crown Court on 16 September.
- Incident location: former railway footpath off Blacker Lane, Calder Grove
- Victim: James Judge, 55, died after being bitten and taken to hospital
- Defendant: Lee Ellis, 55, of Blacker Lane, Calder Grove
- Dog involved: German Shepherd, held in police kennels
Prosecuting counsel told the court that an initial post-mortem examination could not establish the precise number of bites sustained but that a bite to the back of the victim's right knee had been a significant factor in his death. A defence lawyer said the incident followed a dispute about the right of way on the narrow track.
"There was a verbal altercation in regards to right of way," said Mr Rob Fones, representing the defendant.
District Judge Mark Daley granted conditional bail, requiring the defendant to sleep each night at his home address. The court was told Mr Ellis is self-employed as a farrier and has lived in the locality for around 30 years. The German Shepherd taken from the scene remains in police kennels while inquiries continue.
Local impact and police response
The walking route, a disused railway line used by local residents, was sealed off with police tape over the weekend as officers examined the scene. Police vehicles were seen parked at the remote stretch of the path while enquiries were carried out.
West Yorkshire Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. The force has not released further detail about the events that led up to the altercation beyond the accounts given in court, and detectives have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Next steps in the case
At the magistrates’ hearing the defendant did not enter a plea. The case will proceed to the Crown Court where a jury will ultimately consider the evidence. Bail conditions remain in place until that hearing.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Charges | Manslaughter; person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death |
| Next court date | Leeds Crown Court, 16 September |
| Dog status | Seized and being held in police kennels |
Residents who use the Calder Grove footpaths expressed concern at the scene in the days after the attack, with some describing the track as a well-used local route for walkers. The incident will raise questions locally about dog control on narrow public paths and how disputes on such routes are managed.
As the legal process continues, the focus now turns to the Crown Court where the full facts will be tested. West Yorkshire Police have reiterated that inquiries remain ongoing and invited anyone with relevant information to contact them, stressing the importance of community-held information in building a complete account of what occurred.
