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XL bully 'savaged' 84-year-old man and guarded him like 'prey'
Sean Garner faces charges including possession of banned XL bully dogs without exemption after an attack that led to John McColl's death; police fired 19 shots to stop the dogs.
- Sean Garner, 31, stands trial at Liverpool Crown Court this week for owning an XL bully that fatally attacked 84-year-old John McColl on Bardsley Avenue in Warrington on February 24, 2025.
- McColl wandered onto the driveway at approximately 6pm after leaving a pub, where the XL bully—a banned breed since 2024—escaped through an unsecured metal gate with only a latch securing it.
- Prosecutor David Birrell told the court the dog "attacked him and it just would not let him go," with armed officers required to fire 10 rounds to stop it; examination showed the dog had not been fed for some time.
- After handing himself in on February 26, Garner avoided police for two days beforehand, with prosecutors alleging he "made light of the situation" while doctors fought to save McColl's life; he later denied the dog showed aggression.
- Charged under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 with possessing banned XL bullies without exemption certificates and owning a dangerously out-of-control dog causing death, Garner admits the possession counts but denies responsibility for the fatal attack before Judge Brian Cummings KC.
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)XL bully shot 10 times by police as it ‘savaged’ pensioner, 84, court told
John McColl died from his injuries a month are being attacked by an XL bully
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 40%
C 50%
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