XL Bully Owner Insists Dog Was Secured in Shed Before Fatal Mauling of Pensioner
In a harrowing case at Liverpool Crown Court, the owner of an XL bully dog that killed an 84-year-old man has claimed the animal was locked in a shed prior to the brutal attack. Sean Garner, aged 31, testified that he took precautionary measures to control his two XL bullies, named Toretto and Malibu, but the prosecution alleges otherwise.
Graphic Details of the Attack Emerge in Court
The court heard that John McColl was mauled on February 24, 2025, after wandering onto Garner's driveway on Bardsley Avenue in Warrington, Cheshire. Described by one officer as sustaining "the worst injuries I have ever seen in my policing career," Mr. McColl died from his injuries a month later. Prosecutors stated that Toretto had "eaten him alive," with parts of the victim's face found in the dog's stomach during a post-mortem examination.
Armed police were called to the scene and shot Toretto ten times—nine times with a pistol and once with a shotgun—to neutralize the animal. They also shot Malibu dead, taking no chances with the second dog. Courageous members of the public attempted to rescue Mr. McColl using makeshift weapons like a broomstick, a golf club, and a spirit level, but their efforts were in vain.
Owner's Defence and Prosecution's Counterclaims
Garner, from Belle Vale, Liverpool, told the court he believed Toretto was securely locked in a shed with a latch and chain when he left home on the day of the attack. He expressed devastation over the incident, stating, "I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy." Garner suggested that someone, possibly a man from a pub, might have let the dog out, saying, "It's natural behaviour of a dog" to react to an intruder.
However, prosecutor David Birrell challenged this, asserting, "Your dog wasn't guarding the premises, it was eating Mr. McColl." The prosecution alleges the dog was actually on the patio with only a latch on the gate, not locked away. Additionally, it was revealed that the dogs had not been fed, contributing to their irritability and aggression, as confirmed by an examination of their stomachs.
Further Revelations and Legal Proceedings
Garner admitted to driving illegally after being disqualified, which led him to avoid returning home when called by police, instead sending his pregnant partner and their two children, resulting in her arrest. He also ran an Instagram page called Little and Large Bullies, used to promote dogs for breeding. While he admitted advertising Malibu as an XL bully for breeding purposes, claiming it was easier to sell puppies, he denied using Toretto for breeding his own dogs.
Garner has pleaded not guilty to being the owner of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control. He has previously admitted two counts of possessing an XL bully without an exemption certificate, relating to both Toretto and Malibu. XL bullies were banned in the UK in December 2023, adding a regulatory context to the case.
The trial continues, with the court examining the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident that has highlighted concerns over dangerous dog breeds and owner responsibility.
