XL Bully Attack Claims Life of 84-Year-Old John McColl
Sean Garner, 31, has been found guilty of owning a dangerously out-of-control XL bully dog that fatally mauled 84-year-old John McColl in Warrington, Cheshire. The brutal attack left McColl with injuries that led to his death a month later.
Ferocious Attack and Police Response
The violent incident occurred on 24 February last year when Mr McColl wandered onto the driveway of Garner’s home on Bardsley Avenue. The male XL bully, named Toretto, viciously savaged the pensioner and guarded him as if he were prey, forcing police to shoot the dog 10 times to end the attack.
Officers also found a second XL bully, a female named Malibu, inside the house and shot her as well.
Guilty Verdict at Liverpool Crown Court
Despite denying ownership of a dangerously out-of-control dog, Garner was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court. He had previously admitted possessing two banned XL bully dogs without an exemption certificate, a violation of the 2024 breed ban.
Garner claimed he had taken measures to control the dogs and insisted he would never have allowed the male dog near his children if it had shown aggression. He also denied knowing the dogs’ breed, although evidence surfaced showing he advertised Malibu for breeding as an XL bully on Instagram.
Prosecution Exposes Recklessness and False Claims
Prosecutor David Birrell described Garner as a “selfish, reckless risk taker” who lied under oath. Garner’s accusation that Mr McColl released Toretto from a padlocked shed was dismissed as “ludicrous” and “absurd” by the prosecution.
The court heard the dog was confined only to a patio area secured by a gate with a simple latch, which failed to prevent the deadly attack.
Neighbours bravely intervened, using items such as a spirit level and walking stick to try to separate the dog from Mr McColl during the assault.
Background and Next Steps
Garner, who lives in Belle Vale, Liverpool, had moved into the semi-detached property with his then-pregnant partner and two children just three weeks before the attack. They had informed their landlord they owned only one French bulldog, concealing their possession of two XL bullies and a micro bully.
Garner’s criminal record includes driving offenses and drug possession with intent to supply. He awaits sentencing on 17 April and remains in custody, with the judge warning he faces a substantial prison term for his role in this tragic case.
