Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Jury Hears Police Shot XL Bully 10 Times After Fatal Mauling of Man, 84

Jurors are now assessing owner responsibility under the UK ban on unregistered XL Bullies.

Overview

  • The Liverpool Crown Court case, which restarted Tuesday with a new jury, heard that firearms officers fired nine pistol shots and one shotgun round to stop the dog.
  • John McColl, 84, was attacked after walking onto a driveway in Warrington in February 2025 and died a month later from his injuries.
  • Defendant Sean Garner, 31, has admitted possessing two banned XL Bullies without exemption certificates but denies being the owner of a dog that caused injury while out of control.
  • Prosecutors say the male dog, Toretto, was kept behind a simple latched gate, was used for breeding, had not been fed, and had begun eating Mr McColl, citing veterinary findings and Garner’s messages.
  • Evidence shown in court included body‑worn video and witnesses who said the dog guarded the victim like prey, and officers also shot a second XL Bully, Malibu, as the week‑long trial continues.