Sean Garner, a 31-year-old man, has been convicted in connection with a fatal dog attack that occurred over a year ago. A jury at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday found Garner guilty of being the owner of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control. The verdict stems from an incident in February last year, when an XL Bully owned by Garner, named Toretto, attacked 84-year-old John McColl on Garner's driveway in Warrington, Cheshire. Mr. McColl died approximately one month after sustaining severe injuries in the incident. Garner's current address is Belle Vale, Liverpool.

Testimony during the trial detailed the brutal nature of the attack. The dog, a large XL Bully weighing seven stone and four pounds, exhibited extreme aggression. Armed police were dispatched to the scene and ultimately had to fire ten shots to subdue and kill Toretto. A post-mortem examination of the animal revealed that its stomach contained no food, and forensic evidence indicated the dog had begun to consume Mr. McColl. Prosecutor David Birrell described the attack as exceptionally violent, telling the court that "The dog guarded him as if he were its prey. It savaged him." Neighbours who witnessed the unfolding events attempted to intervene, reportedly using everyday items such as a spirit level and a walking stick in a desperate effort to drive the dog away from Mr. McColl.

The prosecution's case focused on the security measures, or lack thereof, surrounding the dog. They alleged that the XL Bully was contained within a patio area on Garner's property, which was secured solely by a gate fastened with a latch. This arrangement, they argued, was insufficient to prevent the powerful dog from escaping or engaging with individuals who might approach the property, such as Mr. McColl, who had wandered onto the driveway. In addition to the dangerous dog charge, Garner had previously admitted to two counts of possessing an XL Bully without the mandatory exemption certificate. This specific charge reflects the legal requirements introduced for XL Bully owners following recent legislation.

Garner's sentencing for these offenses is scheduled for April 17. The conviction and upcoming sentencing mark the culmination of legal proceedings related to the tragic incident that resulted in Mr. McColl's death.