XL Bully Dog 'Savage' Attack Kills 84-Year-Old Man in Warrington
An XL bully dog mauled an 84-year-old man "as if he were its prey" in a horrific attack that led to the victim's death a month later, Liverpool Crown Court has heard. John McColl succumbed to his injuries after the brutal assault on February 24 last year in Warrington, Cheshire.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The court was told that Mr McColl wandered onto the driveway of Sean Garner's home on Bardsley Avenue around 6pm when the dog, named Toretto, launched its vicious assault. Prosecutor David Birrell described how the animal "attacked him and it just would not let him go", guarding the elderly man like prey during the savage mauling.
Armed police officers were forced to intervene dramatically, shooting the dog ten times – nine pistol rounds and one shotgun blast – to neutralize what Mr Birrell called "this large, powerful, savage dog." A post-mortem examination revealed the dog had no food in its stomach and had begun consuming Mr McColl's flesh during the attack.
Witness Accounts and Police Response
Neighbor Christopher Burton testified that he witnessed the dog "chewing on the bloke's face, it was tearing the bloke's face" and attempted to intervene with a walking stick, but could not dislodge the animal. Another witness, Geoffrey Chadwick, reported striking the dog with a spirit level after initially believing the victim was dead until hearing pleas for help.
Police Constable Chris Cunliffe, among the first responders, stated the dog behaved "as if it were guarding its toy it had just ripped apart." A second XL bully dog named Malibu was also shot by police during the incident.
Owner's Alleged Negligence and Charges
Sean Garner, 31, of Belle Vale, Liverpool, denies being the owner of a dog causing injury while dangerously out of control. He admits possessing the banned male dog and a female of the same breed without required exemption certificates.
The prosecution presented evidence suggesting Garner was an "irresponsible" and "reckless" owner who kept the dog inadequately secured on a patio with only a latched metal gate, contrary to claims it was contained in a tool shed. Text messages revealed Garner "made light of the situation" with family members after the attack.
Mr Birrell told jurors that Garner knew the dog – used for breeding purposes – was dangerous, having previously remarked it was "missing a few nuts and bolts." Evidence indicated the animal had not been fed for some time, potentially contributing to its aggressive behavior. The separation of male and female dogs, as practiced by Garner, can cause frustration and aggression in such breeds.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Context
Garner avoided police initially before surrendering on February 26. A jury was sworn in Tuesday morning for a trial expected to last five to seven days. This case highlights ongoing concerns about dangerous dog breeds and owner accountability following the fatal mauling of an elderly man in Cheshire.
