Bristol woman sentenced after cousin killed in XL bully attack

A woman has been given a suspended prison sentence after an XL bully dog attacked and killed her cousin.

Kelcie Reed, 24, of Bristol, previously admitted being in charge of a dog dangerously out control, causing the death of Morgan Dorsett.

The 19-year-old, from Shrewsbury, died from neck injuries caused by the attack, which happened at Reed’s flat in south Bristol in February 2025.

At Bristol Crown Court, Judge Anna Richardson sentenced Reed to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. She will also be required to undergo mental health treatment.

Emergency services were called to the dog attack at a flat in Cobhorn Drive, Bishopsworth, but despite their best efforts, Morgan died from bites to her neck and face, a post-mortem examination ruled.

The dog, named Prince, was sedated at the scene and later “humanely destroyed”, police said.

Reed, who appeared emotional throughout the proceedings, wept in the dock as the sentence was read out.

The judge told her: “Rather than putting everyone through the additional trauma of a trial, you accepted responsibility.

“You are someone who has over the last 18 months done what they needed to do to try and move forward. You need to continue to do that.”

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