Owner Found Guilty in Fatal XL Bully Attack on Pensioner

Sean Garner, a 31-year-old man from Belle Vale, Liverpool, was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court of owning an XL Bully that caused injury while dangerously out of control. The attack resulted in the death of John McColl, an 84-year-old pensioner who wandered onto Garner's driveway on February 24, 2025.

The dog, named Toretto and weighing seven stone and four pounds, was shot ten times by armed police after it savaged Mr. McColl. According to the Daily Mail, the XL Bully had not been fed and began eating Mr. McColl alive. The court heard that Garner had lied to his landlord about owning two XL Bullies and a micro bully dog, claiming they only had one French bulldog.

Garner's defense claimed he took steps to ensure the dogs were not dangerously out of control, but prosecutors described him as a 'selfish, reckless risk taker' who told 'bare-faced lies.' The court heard that Mr. McColl was on his way home from the pub when he entered Garner's driveway. Neighbors attempted to intervene using items like a spirit level and walking stick.

The attack occurred just three weeks after Garner, his then-pregnant partner, and two children moved into the semi-detached home. The XL Bully breed was banned in 2024, and owners must obtain an exemption certificate to legally own one. Garner is due to be sentenced on April 17 and faces a substantial prison sentence.

The court also heard that another dog, Malibu, was found inside the house and shot by police. The prosecution described how Toretto guarded Mr. McColl 'as if he were its prey.' Detective Sergeant Emily Cole expressed sympathies for Mr. McColl's family and emphasized the dangers of irresponsible dog ownership.