XL Bully Owner Sentenced to 12 Years for Fatal Dog Attack on Great-Grandfather
Sean Garner, 31, has been jailed for 12 years after his XL bully dog killed 84-year-old John McColl in a savage attack described as the worst injuries seen by police in decades. The incident occurred in Warrington, Cheshire, in February 2025, when the dog, named Toretto and weighing over 7 stone, mauled Mr. McColl for 45 minutes, causing catastrophic facial injuries.
Horrific Details of the Attack and Aftermath
John McColl, a retired steel erector, was walking home from a pub on February 24, 2025, when he entered the driveway of Garner's home. The XL bully, left on a patio area allegedly secured only by a latched gate, launched the attack. Neighbors attempted to intervene using items like a spirit level and walking stick, but were unable to stop the dog. Mr. McColl remained conscious throughout the assault, enduring what the judge called 'unspeakable suffering,' and died from his injuries about a month later.
Armed police responded to the scene, shooting the dog ten times to end the attack, and also shot a second dog found in the house. A post-mortem examination revealed no food in Toretto's stomach, but human remains were detected. Detective Inspector Simon Mills stated that some officers and witnesses required counseling after the incident, noting it was the worst injuries he had seen in his 28-year career.
Court Proceedings and Family Impact
During the trial at court, Garner was found guilty of being the owner of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of owning an XL bully without an exemption certificate, as the breed was banned in 2024. Judge Brian Cummings KC condemned Garner's lack of remorse, highlighting 'offensive lies' about the incident, including a claim that Mr. McColl unlocked a shed to release the dog, which the prosecution labeled as 'absurd.'
Mr. McColl's family delivered emotional victim impact statements in court. His granddaughter, Kelly Percival, 33, addressed Garner directly, saying, 'Your dog basically ate my grandad, but you and your family don't care.' His daughter, Joann Percival, 57, added, 'You robbed us of our dad, grandad, great-grandad, but you don't care and it's not OK.' The family emphasized the loss of a dignified death for their loved one.
Background and Legal Repercussions
The court heard that Garner, his pregnant partner, and two children had moved into the semi-detached home just three weeks before the attack. They had informed the landlord they owned only one French bulldog, despite actually having a micro bully and two XL bullies. Garner had previous convictions for driving and drug offences and was disqualified from driving at the time of the incident, operating a recovery business illegally.
Prosecutor David Birrell described a 'catalogue of failures' by Garner that led to the dog being dangerously out of control. In defense, Lloyd Morgan stated that Garner expressed 'deepest sympathy' to the family and highlighted his role as primary carer for his partner, who has stage three Hodgkin lymphoma, and their children. However, Judge Cummings noted that any remorse was nullified by Garner's conduct during the trial.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about dangerous dog breeds and owner accountability, with the XL bully ban highlighting regulatory efforts to prevent such tragedies. The community and authorities continue to grapple with the aftermath, as those affected seek healing from the traumatic event.
