The family of a man who was fatally attacked by an XL bully dog expressed their distress on social media while the victim was hospitalized. The incident occurred in Warrington last February when 84-year-old John McColl was mauled by the XL bully named Toretto, prompting police to intervene by shooting the dog multiple times.
Sean Garner, the owner of the dangerous dog, was sentenced to 12 years in prison following a jury’s verdict that held him responsible for Mr. McColl’s death. The victim endured excruciating injuries for five weeks before succumbing to them. Due to the severity of his wounds, Mr. McColl’s family could only see him through a screen during his final moments in the hospital.
Despite his limited ability to communicate, Mr. McColl managed to express his trauma by uttering the word “dog” occasionally. His granddaughter, Kelly Percival, bravely broke the barrier to see his severely disfigured face, a sight she described as shocking and heartbreaking.
The family faced emotional turmoil during Mr. McColl’s ordeal, with Garner’s relatives spreading false accusations and blaming the victim for the attack. Mr. McColl’s daughter expressed disappointment at the lack of remorse or apology from Garner and his supporters, highlighting the distressing impact on their family.
Detective Inspector Simon Mills of Cheshire Police emphasized the unprecedented nature of the incident, acknowledging the trauma it caused to everyone involved, including medical staff and witnesses. He commended the resilience displayed by Mr. McColl’s family throughout the challenging period.
During the trial, jurors were shown messages where Garner’s family members advised him to lie about the incident. Despite considerations for charging them, the Crown Prosecution Service opted not to pursue legal action against Garner’s relatives. The judge criticized Garner for his lack of remorse and attempts to deceive the court, highlighting the foreseeable consequences of his negligence.
Garner, who also faced charges related to owning a fighting dog, showed little reaction to his sentencing. Despite receiving support from some individuals in the gallery, his actions and lack of genuine remorse were condemned by the court.