Breeder, Sean Garner has been sentenced for causing the death of pensioner John McColl, 84, after his XL Bully dog Toretto launched a fatal attack in Warrington
An XL bully breeder has been jailed for 12 years after his dog savagely killed a pensioner. John McColl, aged 84, tragically lost his life after being attacked by Sean Garner’s “family pet” Toretto, who police had to fire at 10 times in order to subdue.
The incident occurred when the seemingly “confused” OAP accidentally wandered into the “irresponsible” owner’s driveway on his way back from the pub.
Neighbours attempted to fend off the attack using a brush, a golf club and a spirit level as makeshift weapons, but their efforts were futile as the banned dog “guarded” the elderly victim “as if he were its prey or food”. The court was told that the dog, which hadn’t been fed for 10 hours, was found “eating” the pensioner.
Meanwhile, Garner, from Dinaro Close in Belle Vale, was reported to have “made jokes” in Facebook voice notes while emergency services were battling to save Mr McColl’s life, having previously described the XL bully as “missing a few nuts and bolts”.
The 31-year-old was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court after being charged with causing death by being the owner of a dangerously out of control dog in relation to the incident at his former residence on Bardsley Avenue in Warrington.
Garner was unanimously found guilty of this single charge by a jury of eight men and four women following two hours and 13 minutes of deliberations. The father-of-three was heard telling his family members “love yous all” as he entered the dock prior to the verdict – showing no reaction as he learned his fate.
Members of his family were visibly shocked and broke down in tears, with some seen cradling their heads in their hands. One woman shouted “love you Sean” as he was escorted to the cells during the earlier hearing.
Judge Brian Cummings KC told Garner to expect a “substantial prison sentence.” Today, he was jailed for 12 years.
Addressing Mr McColl’s family, several of whom were also visibly in tears, Judge Cummings concluded: “My condolences to the family. I am very grateful to them all for their dignity and restraint throughout the trial.”
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