Sean Garner, aged 31, of Dinaro Close in Belle Vale, Liverpool, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following the death of 84-year-old John McColl, who was savaged by Garner’s XL Bully dog, Toretto.
The incident occurred on Bardsley Avenue in Warrington, Cheshire, in February 2025. Police officers required ten shots to subdue the powerful animal after it mauled Mr McColl in what the court described as a prolonged and horrific attack. Mr McColl, a retired steel erector originally from Scotland, survived for five weeks in hospital before succumbing to his injuries on 24 March 2025.
Judge Describes Suffering as ‘Quite Unspeakable’
Garner was convicted under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended) for being the owner of a dog that was dangerously out of control and caused injury resulting in death. This offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment when a fatality occurs.
The 12-year custodial sentence imposed by Judge Brian Cummings KC at Liverpool Crown Court on 17 April 2026 reflects the aggravating factors in the case, including the inadequate security measures for the dog, its known unstable temperament, Garner’s lack of genuine remorse, and the prolonged suffering endured by the victim, 84-year-old John McColl.
Garner also pleaded guilty to two separate counts of possessing XL Bully dogs without the required exemption certificate, consistent with the breed’s prohibited status under the Act.
Sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday 17 April 2026, Judge Brian Cummings KC described Mr McColl’s suffering as “quite unspeakable”. The pensioner endured a 17-hour operation in an attempt to save his life, yet his injuries were so severe and graphic that family members could only visit him from behind a protective screen during his final days.
Mr McColl’s daughter, Joann Percival, recounted the family’s anguish. She stated that her father was scarcely able to speak, occasionally lifting his arms as if shielding himself while muttering the word “dog”. His granddaughter, Kelly Percival, aged 33, described glimpsing his face despite medical advice: “He resembled nothing of my granddad. I had never seen anything at all like it.”
The court heard that the attack’s traumatic nature affected not only the family but also emergency responders. Detective Inspector Simon Mills of Cheshire Police noted that some officers who attended the scene required counselling afterwards, describing the injuries as the worst he had encountered in 28 years of service.
Family Endured Online Abuse and Victim Blaming
While Mr McColl fought for his life in hospital, members of Garner’s family and associates allegedly took to social media to spread false narratives and blame the victim. They claimed Mr McColl had entered the garden and released the dog himself. Joann Percival said: “While my dad was fighting for his life, they were abusing us on Facebook… all they could do was think of lies.”
Ms Percival maintained that her father had been performing a “neighbourly thing” by entering the driveway to inform the household that the dog had escaped. The family expressed profound distress over the lack of remorse shown by Garner and his supporters, describing emotions of anger and hatred compounded by online victim blaming.
Garner’s partner, Lauren Lawler, reportedly posted on Facebook claiming her life had been “ruined” and that her dogs would still be alive if Mr McColl had not entered the garden. Jurors were also shown messages from a group chat in which Garner sought advice on how to shift responsibility, including suggestions to claim the dogs belonged to others.
Inadequate Security and Foreseeable Danger
Judge Cummings rejected Garner’s defence that the dog had been securely kept in a locked shed. He concluded that the only barrier was a side gate secured by a simple latch, describing the measures as “utterly inadequate” and “so minimal as to be meaningless”, particularly given the dog’s known unstable temperament.
The judge stated: “It was eminently foreseeable that the dog would escape from its insecure closure and that it would attack someone and seriously injure or kill them.” He added that Toretto had previously displayed aggressive behaviour, which Garner knew about, and emphasised that no measures had been taken to protect members of the public.
Garner was also sentenced for two prior counts of owning a fighting dog. He showed little reaction upon hearing the sentence, offering only a slight nod, while supporters in the public gallery were observed giving him a thumbs up as he was led to the cells.
Family’s Statement: ‘No Remorse, No Empathy’
In a statement issued after sentencing, Mr McColl’s family expressed gratitude for the justice delivered following a prolonged and difficult trial. They said: “Sean Garner failed to properly care for his dog and did not keep it securely under control. His irresponsible behaviour directly led to the tragic and untimely death of our John.”
They highlighted the additional distress caused by the absence of accountability: “Throughout this process, he has shown no empathy and appears completely unaware of the grief and suffering our family has endured.” The family described Mr McColl as a “proud, quiet and independent man” who enjoyed simple routines, including visiting the pub to read the newspaper and socialise. They noted: “He should have been spending his remaining years with family who loved him dearly.”
Detective Inspector Mills praised the family’s dignity throughout the ordeal, acknowledging the challenges they faced in grieving while contending with public commentary that sided with the dog owner.
This case underscores ongoing concerns regarding the ownership and control of powerful dog breeds, particularly those subject to legal restrictions. Garner was convicted of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. The Crown Prosecution Service had considered but ultimately decided against charging members of his family for allegedly encouraging falsehoods.
The sentencing brings to a close a distressing chapter for Mr McColl’s loved ones, who have emphasised their pride in the strength he demonstrated during his four-week fight for survival
