Man convicted after XL bully attack leads to pensioner’s death

A 31-year-old man, Sean Garner, has been convicted for owning an XL bully dog that fatally attacked 84-year-old John McColl in Warrington, Cheshire. The attack occurred on 24 February last year, after Mr McColl wandered onto Garner’s driveway. The male dog, Toretto, mauled the pensioner and displayed predatory behaviour, prompting police to fatally shoot the animal after multiple attempts. A second XL bully, a female named Malibu, was also shot inside the house. During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Garner denied that his dogs were dangerously out of control and claimed ignorance of their banned breed status, despite evidence that he had advertised one of the dogs for breeding. Prosecutors described him as a ‘selfish, reckless risk taker’ who attempted to shift blame onto the victim, claims the court dismissed as absurd. Neighbours intervened during the attack using makeshift tools to protect Mr McColl. Garner, who has prior convictions for driving offences and drug-related crimes, is remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 17 April, with the judge indicating a substantial prison term is likely. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the ownership of banned and dangerous dog breeds in the UK.