XL Bully Owner Insists Dog Was 'Brilliant' Despite Fatal Mauling of Pensioner
The owner of an XL bully that mauled a pensioner to death has told a jury he believed the dog's behavior was "brilliant" and that he took precautions to prevent it from becoming dangerously out of control. Sean Garner, 31, gave evidence at Liverpool Crown Court regarding the attack that led to the death of 84-year-old John McColl in Warrington, Cheshire.
Catastrophic Injuries and Police Intervention
John McColl suffered catastrophic injuries during the attack in February of last year and died a month later. Armed police were called to the scene on Bardsley Avenue and had to shoot the dog ten times to stop the assault. One neighbor testified that the dog was "tearing" at Mr. McColl's face, and jurors heard that human remains were later discovered in the animal's stomach.
Garner told the court that before leaving his home on February 24, he had locked the XL bully, named Toretto, in a shed in the backyard. He described securing the shed with a gate featuring a latch and a chain that acted as a bolt. The attack occurred just after 6 p.m. when Mr. McColl wandered into the driveway.
Owner's Testimony on Dog's Behavior
Garner, who had owned Toretto for about four-and-a-half years since the dog was a puppy, stated, "His behavior was brilliant. If my dog showed aggression, I wouldn't have had the dog around my kids. I've got a family. I've got people who would have stepped in if they thought the dog was aggressive." He further claimed the dog was "perfect" around other dogs and fine with people.
During cross-examination, defense lawyer Lloyd Morgan questioned Garner about a message he sent to his mother in March 2024, in which he described the dog as "missing a few nuts and bolts." Garner explained, "He's 100mph. He was always excited when he saw my mum. He knew he was either getting treats or he was going out. It was a figure of speech. I weren't meaning that my dog's aggressive, I was meaning he is 100mph."
Breed Identification and Breeding Activities
The court heard that Garner initially did not believe his dogs were XL bullies, a banned breed in the UK that requires an exemption certificate for ownership, though he now accepts they were. He maintained an Instagram page called "Little and Large Bullies" to promote dogs for breeding. Garner admitted advertising his female XL bully, Malibu, for breeding as an XL bully because it was easier to sell puppies from that breed, and he had used Toretto as a stud for other people's dogs.
Garner also disclosed that he had previously worked in a dog fertility clinic, assisting with semen collection and analysis. He is currently self-employed, running a recovery business that transports cars.
Housing and Legal Background
Garner moved into the home in the Dallam area of Warrington with his then-pregnant partner and their two children approximately three weeks before the attack. He admitted to lying to the landlord about the number and breed of his dogs, stating he had one French bulldog instead of the two XL bullies and one micro bully he actually owned. "I was trying to better my life," Garner said. "Some landlords discriminate against dogs and don't let you get the property."
The court was informed that Garner has previous convictions for driving offences and drug possession with intent to supply. He now resides in Belle Vale, Liverpool, and denies being the owner of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control.
