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Man Jailed 12 Years for XL Bully Attack That Killed Pensioner
17 Apr
Summary
- Owner jailed 12 years for fatal XL Bully attack.
- Pensioner died after a month following the savage dog attack.
- The dog mauled the victim and had to be shot by police.
Sean Garner, 31, received a 12-year prison sentence for owning an XL bully that caused the death of 84-year-old John McColl. The attack occurred on February 24, 2025, when Mr. McColl wandered onto Garner's driveway in Warrington, Cheshire. The dog, Toretto, inflicted 'catastrophic facial injuries,' and Mr. McColl tragically died a month later. Neighbors attempted to intervene, and police were forced to shoot the animal 10 times.
During the trial, Mr. McColl's granddaughter stated, 'Your dog basically ate my grandad.' The court heard that Toretto had no food in its stomach and had begun to consume the victim. Garner had lied about the number and breed of dogs he owned, failing to disclose he had two XL bullies, a breed banned in England and Wales since February 2024. The prosecution alleged a catalogue of failures led to the fatal incident.
Judge Brian Cummings KC described the suffering endured by Mr. McColl as 'unspeakable' and noted the victim remained conscious throughout the ordeal. Garner, who has prior convictions for driving and drug offenses, showed no true remorse, according to the judge. The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of irresponsible dog ownership and control.
