Sean Garner: XL bully owner found guilty after dangerously ‘out of control’ dog brutally killed 84yo pensioner
‘Many of those who attended described the attack as one of the most traumatising incidents that they have ever dealt with.’
The owner of an XL bully has been found guilty after his dog brutally mauled an 84-year-old pensioner to death.
Sean Garner was convicted of owning a “dangerously out of control” dog causing injury, after his dog, an unregistered XL bully named Toretto, attacked John McColl in February 2025.
During the six day trial, the court heard that Mr McColl was returning home after being at the pub when he mistakenly walked into Garner’s driveway.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Moments later, CCTV captures Mr McColl screaming for help while being attacked by Toretto.
In an attempt to get the dog to release it’s grip on Mr McColl, neighbours used various objects including a golf club, but to no avail.
Toretto “stood guard over Mr McColl preventing anyone from helping”, a statement from Cheshire Police said.
When emergency services arrived on scene they found Mr McColl lying in the driveway with serious facial injuries.
“However, due to Toretto remaining in close proximity, officers were unable to provide first aid,” police said.
Firearms officers were eventually called to the scene so that Mr McColl could receive treatment.
A second dog, another unregistered XL bully named Malibu, was also found at the property.
“In total 19 on-target shots were required to end the horrific attack to a safe conclusion,” police said. Both dogs were fatally shot.
Mr McColl was immediately transported to the hospital for lifesaving treatment.
Following the attack, Garner was spoken to by police over the phone and asked to return to his residence.
However, he failed to return and instead went on the run. Garner eventually handed himself in at Runcorn Police Station two days later.
Examination of the dog’s stomach found pieces of human flesh, including a human ear.
After spending over a month in intensive care and undergoing several operations, Mr McColl tragically died from his injuries on March 30, 2025.
Following the guilty verdict, Detective Inspector Simon Mills said Mr McColl’s injuries were “absolutely horrific”.
“The injuries sustained by John were absolutely horrific and left him unrecognisable to friends and family. Yet despite his injuries, he fought hard to survive as long as possible. I cannot begin to imagine the amount of pain and suffering he must have endured.
“Many of those who attended described the attack as one of the most traumatising incidents that they have ever dealt with.”
Mr McColl is being remembered as a kind and generous dad, grandad, and great grandad.
