Sean Garner denies owning the XL Bully that fatally mauled pensioner John McColl

A Liverpool courtroom bristled with tension as Sean Garner stood accused in connection with the horrifying death of 84-year-old John McColl—killed in a vicious XL bully dog attack that stunned the community.

Mr McColl’s final moments were marked by a brutal onslaught, allegedly inflicted by a dangerous dog named Torreto. The pensioner’s tragic death sent shockwaves through his neighbourhood, leaving his devastated family and local residents searching for answers—and justice.

Garner, now at the centre of the case, entered the courtroom to face harrowing accusations tied to one of the most disturbing dog-related deaths in recent memory. He firmly denies owning the XL bully involved in the fatal mauling and disputes allegations that he possessed the dog without the required exemption certificates.

The court heard that Torreto, the dog believed to have carried out the deadly attack, was not properly licensed under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Without the necessary paperwork, authorities argue the animal should never have been in the public domain—let alone in proximity to a vulnerable man like Mr McColl.

Despite the mounting pressure, Garner maintained his not-guilty plea. His legal team contests any claim of ownership, asserting that he did not bear responsibility for Torreto at the time of the attack. The case now hinges on whether prosecutors can definitively prove that Garner had control of the dog, and that he breached safety regulations that might have prevented the tragedy.

With a trial date set, the legal battle promises to shine a glaring spotlight on gaps in the enforcement of dog control laws. Campaigners and grieving relatives alike are calling for stricter legislation to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Outside court, emotions remain raw. John McColl’s family continue to mourn the loss of a man they describe as kind, gentle, and beloved by all who knew him. They have been left to grieve in silence while preparing to relive their trauma through the upcoming trial.

“This should never have happened,” one family friend stated. “No one expects to lose someone they love to a dog attack—especially not like this.”

Community groups and animal welfare advocates are now doubling down on calls for increased accountability among dog owners, particularly those in possession of powerful breeds like XL bullies. The case has reignited a national conversation around public safety, pet ownership, and the consequences of failing to follow the law.

Meanwhile, the court proceedings have captured widespread public attention, with many following every twist in what has become a defining moment in the debate over dangerous dogs in the UK. As the legal arguments unfold, they will determine not just Garner’s fate, but potentially influence the future of legislation concerning banned and restricted breeds.

For now, Sean Garner remains on bail, awaiting his trial. The courtroom, the community, and the country brace themselves for answers in a case that has already left one life lost and countless others changed forever.