XL Bully 'Ate Pensioner During Fatal Attack' Before Being Shot Ten Times
A court has heard harrowing details of an XL bully dog that was "eating" an 84-year-old pensioner during a fatal assault before armed police officers shot the animal ten times. John McColl tragically died from his injuries one month after the violent incident, which occurred in Warrington, Cheshire, in February last year.
Owner Claims Dog Was Securely Locked in Shed
Giving evidence at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, the dog's owner, Sean Garner, stated he took every possible precaution to ensure the animal's safety. Garner claimed the XL bully, named Toretto, was locked inside a shed on the patio of his Bardsley Avenue home. He described the gate as being secured by both a latch and a chain.
Garner expressed his devastation, saying, "It's horrible what's happened to him... I've got no words to describe what happened to him. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy." He added that he could never have imagined a man, presumably returning from the pub, would wander up his driveway and somehow release the dog around 6pm on February 24.
Prosecution Alleges Dog Was 'Eating Mr McColl'
During cross-examination, prosecutor David Birrell challenged Garner's account, asserting, "Your dog wasn't guarding the premises, it was eating Mr McColl." Garner maintained his position, replying, "He was locked in the shed when I went out."
The prosecution alleges the dog was not securely confined but was instead on the patio with only a latch preventing its escape. Furthermore, an examination revealed no dog food in Toretto's stomach, though Garner disagreed with suggestions the animal was hungry, calling its behaviour "natural" for a dog encountering an unfamiliar person on its property.
Owner Admits to Being a 'Coward' After Incident
The court also heard that Garner, a 31-year-old who ran a car recovery business, did not return home when police contacted him about the attack. He admitted this was because he was disqualified from driving and did not want officers to see him in a vehicle.
Garner agreed he acted as a "coward" by allowing his pregnant partner to return to the house with their two children instead, which resulted in her arrest by police. He explained, "I was waiting to find out what had happened."
Charges and Ongoing Trial
Sean Garner, of Belle Vale, Liverpool, denies being the owner of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control. However, he has previously admitted two counts of possessing an XL bully without an exemption certificate. These charges relate to Toretto and a female dog named Malibu, which was found inside the home.
The trial at Liverpool Crown Court continues as the legal proceedings unfold, examining the circumstances surrounding this tragic and violent dog attack that led to the death of an elderly man and the subsequent shooting of the animal by armed response officers.
