The family of a man whose XL bully fatally attacked an elderly person lashed out at his relatives on Facebook while he was in critical condition in the hospital. John McColl, 84, was viciously mauled by XL bully Toretto in Warrington in February last year, leading to police shooting the dog multiple times to subdue it.
Sean Garner, 31, received a 12-year prison sentence after being found guilty by a jury for Mr. McColl’s death due to owning a dangerously out of control dog. The suffering endured by the pensioner was described as “unspeakable” by the judge, as he fought for five weeks before succumbing to his injuries.
The family of Mr. McColl had limited interactions with him due to his severe injuries, only able to see him behind a screen in his last moments. His daughter, Joann Percival, recounted the distressing experience of witnessing her father’s extensive injuries, preventing them from even seeing his face.
Despite undergoing a lengthy operation to save his life, Mr. McColl was barely able to communicate, occasionally murmuring the word “dog” and showing signs of distress. His granddaughter, Kelly Percival, defied medical advice to catch a glimpse of his disfigured face, further highlighting the tragic consequences of the attack.
Throughout the ordeal, Garner’s family and acquaintances resorted to social media to propagate false narratives and shift blame onto the victim. Mr. McColl’s family faced relentless abuse on Facebook while they stood by his side during his fight for survival.
Cheshire Police’s Detective Inspector Simon Mills highlighted the traumatic impact of the incident on all involved, emphasizing the severe nature of Mr. McColl’s injuries. Despite the challenges faced by the victim’s family, they displayed remarkable dignity and resilience throughout the legal proceedings and online attacks from Garner’s supporters.
Garner’s partner, Lauren Lawler, expressed her distress on Facebook, attributing the loss of her dogs to Mr. McColl’s actions. During Garner’s trial, messages were revealed showing attempts to manipulate the situation, prompting considerations of legal actions against Garner’s family for encouraging deceit.
In his sentencing, Judge Brian Cummings KC condemned Garner’s lack of remorse and accountability, emphasizing the foreseeable consequences of his negligent actions. Garner’s sentencing for multiple charges, including owning a fighting dog, was met with subdued reactions from him and supportive gestures from the gallery.
The judge’s remarks underscored Garner’s failure to take appropriate precautions, leading to the tragic outcome for Mr. McColl and his family. Despite the challenges, Mr. McColl’s family’s resilience and dignity were acknowledged, hoping for closure and justice in the aftermath of the devastating incident.
