Owner of XL bully that 'savaged' 84-year-old man found guilty

John McColl died from his injuries after the attack.

The dog had mauled the pensioner "as if he were its prey", a court was told.

Tuesday 31 March 2026 15:24, UK
A man has been convicted over a fatal XL bully attack on an 84-year-old pensioner.

Sean Garner, 31, had denied the charge of owning a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control, but was convicted following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

He had previously admitted to possessing the banned male dog and a female of the same breed without an exemption certificate.

John McColl died from his injuries a month after the attack by the dog in Warrington, Cheshire, on 24 February last year.

During the trial, the court heard the dog had "savaged" Mr McColl and " guarded him as if he were its prey ".

The animal had to be shot 10 times by police who were called to the scene.

A second XL bully, a female called Malibu, was shot when officers found her inside the house.

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Garner, of Belle Vale, Liverpool, had told the court that he had taken steps to prevent the dogs from being dangerously out of control, and he would not have allowed the male dog near his children if he thought it was aggressive.

He also denied knowing the dogs' breed, which was banned in 2024, although the court heard he had previously advertised another dog called Malibu for breeding as an XL bully on Instagram.

He said he had not walked the dogs for about 10 days, but had allowed them onto the patio for exercise.

David Birrell, prosecuting, described Garner as a "selfish, reckless risk taker" who told "bare-faced lies".

Garner accused Mr McColl of releasing the XL bully from a padlocked shed, claims which Mr Birrell said were "ludicrous" and "absurd".

The prosecution said the dog had been left on a patio area, which was only secured by a gate with a latch.

Neighbours described using items including a spirit level and a walking stick to try to get the dog away from Mr McColl.

They had told the landlord they had one French bulldog, despite owning two XL bullies and a micro bully dog.

Garner, who has previous convictions for driving offences and possessing drugs with intent to supply, is due to be sentenced on 17 April.

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