The family of a man whose XL bully fatally attacked an elderly person on Facebook while he was in critical condition in the hospital faced abusive comments. John McColl, 84, was assaulted by XL bully Toretto in Warrington in February the previous year. Police had to use lethal force to subdue the dog. Sean Garner, 31, received a 12-year prison sentence for being the owner of the dog responsible for Mr. McColl’s death. His suffering was described as “unspeakable” as he fought for five weeks before succumbing to his injuries.
Mr. McColl’s family could only see him behind a screen due to the severe nature of his injuries. His daughter, Joann Percival, expressed the anguish of witnessing the extensive injuries that prevented them from seeing his face. Despite limited communication abilities, Mr. McColl managed to mention the word “dog” occasionally. Kelly Percival, his granddaughter, defied medical advice to catch a glimpse of his face behind the surgical screen.
The family experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, including anger and hatred, as they dealt with the tragic circumstances. They expressed disappointment at the lack of remorse and empathy shown by Garner and his associates. Detective Inspector Simon Mills of Cheshire Police highlighted the emotional toll the incident took on everyone involved, including counseling needs for officers and medical staff.
Garner’s partner, Lauren Lawler, blamed the victim for the incident on social media, claiming her life was ruined due to his actions. During the trial, jurors were shown messages where Garner sought advice on how to handle the situation. Judge Brian Cummings KC emphasized Garner’s lack of remorse and the foreseeable consequences of his negligence. Garner received a harsh sentence, including additional charges related to owning a fighting dog.
Garner’s indifferent reaction to the sentencing contrasted with the support he received from some spectators. The judge criticized Garner’s lack of genuine remorse and attempts to evade responsibility. The courtroom atmosphere was tense as Garner was escorted away by authorities.
