XL Bully Dog Shot Multiple Times After Fatal Attack on Pensioner
Liverpool Crown Court has heard harrowing details of an incident where an XL bully dog was shot ten times by armed police after killing an 84-year-old man. The attack occurred when John McColl mistakenly entered a driveway in Warrington while returning home from a pub visit.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The court was told that on February 24, 2025, John McColl wandered into the driveway of Sean Garner's home on Bardsley Avenue in Warrington. Prosecutors suggested the elderly man may have been confused, having visited a pub earlier though he hadn't consumed much alcohol. The XL bully, named Toretto, immediately attacked McColl and refused to release him.
David Birrell, prosecuting, described how the dog "savaged" the pensioner and "guarded him as if he were its prey." Members of the public attempted to intervene with weapons, but their efforts proved futile against the powerful animal.
Police Response and Shooting
When police arrived at the scene, unarmed officers initially couldn't reach McColl due to the dog's aggression. Firearms officers were called and ultimately shot the XL bully ten times to neutralize the threat. One officer fired nine rounds from a pistol while another discharged a shotgun round.
Police also discovered a second XL bully named Malibu on the property and shot this dog dead as a precautionary measure. John McColl was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries a month after the attack.
Owner's Behavior and Legal Proceedings
Sean Garner, 31, now of Dinaro Close in Belle Vale, is on trial accused of being the owner of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control. The court heard that Garner had described his pet as "missing a few nuts and bolts" prior to the incident.
Prosecutors alleged that Garner "made jokes while doctors were valiantly trying to save" McColl's life and avoided police for two days before surrendering. When interviewed, Garner reportedly claimed the dog had never shown aggression, which prosecutors called a lie, citing evidence of previous incidents involving the animal.
Disturbing Forensic Evidence
Veterinary examination of Toretto revealed minimal dog food in its stomach, containing instead pieces of plastic and human flesh. This suggested the animal "had not been fed for some time" before the attack.
Garner has admitted possessing two banned XL bully dogs without exemption certificates but denies the charge of owning a dangerously out-of-control dog that caused injury. The trial continues before Judge Brian Cummings KC.
Legal Context and Breed Regulations
The case highlights ongoing concerns about XL bully dogs, which have been illegal to own without exemption certificates since 2024. The prosecution emphasized the breed's capabilities, stating "we all know about those dogs and what they are capable of."
As the trial proceeds, the court will examine messages allegedly showing the dog had previously injured a family member and fought with Garner's other dog, contradicting the defendant's claims about the animal's temperament.
