XL Bully Owner Convicted for Fatal Attack on 84-Year-Old Pensioner
Sean Garner, 31, has been convicted at Liverpool Crown Court for owning a dangerously out-of-control dog that caused the death of 84-year-old John McColl. The XL bully, named Toretto, mauled the pensioner in a brutal attack described by prosecutors as treating the victim "as if he were its prey."
Horrific Details of the Fatal Incident
The attack occurred on February 24 last year when Mr. McColl wandered onto the driveway of Garner's home on Bardsley Avenue in Warrington, Cheshire. During the trial, the court heard how the XL bully "savaged" the elderly man and guarded him aggressively. Police officers called to the scene were forced to shoot the dog ten times to stop the attack.
A second XL bully named Malibu was also shot when officers discovered her inside the house. Both dogs were of a breed that has been banned in the UK since 2024, though Garner claimed he was unaware of their specific breed classification.
Prosecution Describes Defendant as "Selfish, Reckless Risk Taker"
Prosecutor David Birrell portrayed Garner as a "selfish, reckless risk taker" who told "bare-faced lies" during the proceedings. Garner had attempted to shift blame by accusing Mr. McColl of releasing the dog from a padlocked shed, claims that Mr. Birrell dismissed as "ludicrous" and "absurd."
Evidence presented in court revealed that Garner had previously advertised Malibu for breeding as an XL bully on Instagram, contradicting his assertion that he didn't know the dogs' breed. The prosecution argued that the male dog had been left on a patio area secured only by a gate with a simple latch, inadequate containment for such a powerful animal.
Neighbors' Desperate Attempts to Intervene
Witnesses described neighbors using whatever items they could find—including a spirit level and a walking stick—in desperate attempts to get the dog away from Mr. McColl during the attack. Their efforts proved insufficient against the powerful animal.
Garner told the court he had taken precautions to prevent the dogs from being dangerously out of control and claimed he wouldn't have allowed the male dog near his children if he believed it was aggressive. He admitted he hadn't walked the dogs for approximately ten days but had allowed them onto the patio for exercise.
Deception About Dog Ownership
The court learned that Garner, his pregnant partner, and their two children had moved into the semi-detached home just three weeks before the fatal incident. They had informed their landlord they owned only one French bulldog, despite actually possessing two XL bullies and a micro bully dog.
Garner had previously pleaded guilty to possessing banned dogs without exemption certificates. He also has prior convictions for driving offenses and possessing drugs with intent to supply.
Sentencing and Aftermath
John McColl succumbed to his injuries one month after the vicious attack. Garner has been remanded in custody and faces sentencing on April 17, with the judge warning he should expect a "substantial prison sentence."
The case highlights ongoing concerns about dangerous dog breeds and owner responsibility, particularly following the 2024 ban on XL bullies. This conviction serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences that can occur when powerful animals are not properly controlled by their owners.
