XL Bully Owner Sentenced After Elderly Man Killed in Brutal Attack

Sean Garner, 31, has received a 12-year prison sentence for allowing his XL bully dog, Toretto, to attack and kill an 84-year-old neighbor. The incident occurred on 24 February 2025, when the dog lunged at John McColl as he walked onto Garner’s driveway in Warrington, Cheshire. Toretto had to be shot 10 times by armed police after the 45-minute assault left McColl with severe injuries. He spent a month in intensive care before passing away five weeks later.

The attack left McColl in critical condition, with the judge describing the trauma as “unspeakable.” During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that the dog remained gripping McColl even as neighbors attempted to intervene using items like a spirit level and a walking stick. McColl, a retired steel erector, stayed conscious throughout the ordeal and endured “absolute agony,” according to the judge.

Family’s Outcry and Owner’s Defenses

McColl’s granddaughter, Kelly Percival, 33, addressed the court, stating:

“Your dog basically ate my grandad, but you and your family don’t care.”

She claimed Garner had denied her grandfather a “dignified death,” despite the dog’s aggressive behavior. The prosecution argued that the dog was kept in a shed on the patio, secured only by a gate with a latch. Garner, however, insisted the animal was locked inside and that McColl must have unlocked it, a claim deemed “absurd” by the court.

Garner’s defense highlighted his role as the primary caregiver for his partner, Lauren Lawler, who was battling stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Lloyd Morgan, his lawyer, noted Garner expressed sympathy for the McColl family. However, the judge emphasized that Garner’s lack of remorse was evident, calling his statements “offensive lies” that undermined any genuine regret.

Legal Background and Consequences

Garner had previously been convicted for driving and drug offenses. During the trial, it was disclosed he and his partner had moved into their semi-detached home three weeks before the incident, despite owning two XL bullies—a breed banned in 2024. The prosecution highlighted his failure to obtain exemption certificates for the dogs. Although Garner pleaded guilty to two charges of owning an XL bully without proper authorization, the judge deemed the case a clear example of reckless disregard for safety.

David Birrell, the prosecutor, added that the police officers who responded to the scene experienced lasting emotional distress, requiring counseling. The case underscores the dangers of uncontrolled dog ownership, with the court emphasizing the need for accountability in such incidents.

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