Man jailed for 12 years after XL Bully killed pensioner in Warrington
John McColl died around a month after being attacked by the dog
A man whose unregistered XL Bully savagely attacked and killed a pensioner in Warrington, has been jailed for 12 years.
John McColl was walking to his home on Mullen Close in Dallam in February 2025 when he got distracted and walked up Sean Garner's driveway on Bardsley Avenue.
It's not known why he walked up the driveway, but just moments later, he screamed for help while being attacked by Toretto, the unregistered XL Bully owned by Garner.
Desperate attempts were made by neighbours to help Mr McColl, with objects like a walking stick and spirit level used to try to stop the dog, but the attack continued - and Toretto stood guard over the 84-year-old 'as if he was prey', which stopped anyone from helping.
Emergency services arrived and found Mr McColl lying in the driveway with serious facial injuries, but because of how close Toretto was, officers couldn't give first aid.
Firearms officers were then called and a decision was taken to shoot Toretto so lifesaving treatment could be given to Mr McColl.
It took ten shots for that to happen.
A second unregistered XL Bully was also found inside the house and the dog, later identified as Malibu, was also shot dead by officers to make sure all those present were safe.
Paramedics then began administering life-saving treatment at the scene before taking him to Aintree Hospital and then Whiston Hospital.
Garner was identified as the dogs owners and officers spoke to him over the phone to ask him to return home.
After that call, Garner met his partner at a retail park just minutes away from the scene in Warrington, and they agreed to return to the house.
However, after leaving in separate vehicles, he went on the run instead.
Garner eventually handed himself into police two days later.
During questioning, Garner claimed Toretto had been locked inside a secure shed when he left home that day - and also claimed that Toretto and Malibu were American Bully's and not XL Bully's.
Despite those claims, he was charged and found guilty, following a six-day trial, of owning a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control.
The 31-year-old previously admitted two counts of possessing an XL bully without an exemption certificate.
An exam of Toretto's stomach after the incident found pieces of human flesh, including a human ear.
Mr McColl underwent several operations whilst in intensive care, but sadly passed away on Sunday 30 March.
Detective Inspector Simon Mills, of the Major Investigation Team at Cheshire Police, said:
"The injuries sustained by John were absolutely horrific and left him unrecognisable to friends and family. Yet despite his injuries, he fought hard to survive as long as possible. I cannot begin to imagine the amount of pain and suffering he must have endured.
"I would also like to take this as an opportunity to thank all those who provided help and assistance to John, including the members of the public, officers and medical staff, all of whom fought hard to save him.
"One of the most traumatising incidents they have ever dealt with"
"Many of those who attended described the attack as one of the most traumatising incidents that they have ever dealt with.
"John was a kind and generous dad, grandad, and great grandad who was well liked by all those who knew him. If anything can be achieved by his death, I hope that it acts as a reminder about the dangers of XL Bully’s to ensure that nobody else has to go through the pain and suffering that his family have endured over the past year."