Kelcie Reed, 24, has walked free from Bristol Crown Court after admitting being in charge of a dangerously out of control XL Bully that killed her 19-year-old cousin, Morgan Dorsett, from Shrewsbury. The attack happened inside a flat at Cobhorn Drive, Withywood, Bristol, on February 26 last year. Ms Dorsett suffered fatal bites to her neck and head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sentence and conditions
On Friday, September 4, Reed was handed an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. She was also made subject to a nine-month mental health treatment requirement and given a 15-year ban on keeping a dog. Reed, of Lawrence Weston, Bristol, covered her head with her coat as she left court, attempting to shield her face from the public.
Sentencing, Judge Anna Richardson said: "This is a case that was utterly tragic for Ms Dorsett’s family and it has also had a huge impact upon you. I accept not a comparable impact, but a huge impact." The judge added: "The sentence that I pass, regardless of where I found this case was on the guidelines would, I suspect, appear entirely inadequate to Ms Dorsett’s family. That is because the harm that has been suffered is of the greatest possible magnitude for her loved ones."
Judge Richardson warned Reed: "The effect of this order is that you have a prison sentence. If you do not attend appointments in the next 18 months, and if you do not complete the treatment requirement, then you serve that prison sentence."
Family impact and unanswered questions
Avon and Somerset Police said Reed was arrested at the scene after making a call reporting that her cousin had been attacked and was not breathing. The dog, named Prince, was subsequently sedated and euthanised several days later, the force confirmed.
Ms Dorsett's mother, Marie Smith, said her daughter's death had affected the family so deeply that it was 'difficult to put into words'. She said: "She came to Bristol to experience something bigger than the small village she had grown up in. She felt that village life had held her back, and she wanted to see the world, meet new people, and find others like her. Bristol, with its vibrant, lively culture, would have suited her perfectly. She would have absolutely loved it. Tragically, she never got the chance to truly experience that life. Morgan’s death has cast a shadow over everything. It has changed my life and the lives of her siblings in ways that will never fully heal."
Ms Dorsett's younger sister, Caelia Dorsett, said she had lost her 'best friend'. She said her sister's death had had a long-term impact on her mental health, adding: "Our lives have also been consumed by the pressures of the media, the court process, funeral arrangements, and the unavoidable break in our family, something we continue to live with every day. This loss has not only affected me, but our entire family, all eight of mine and Morgan’s siblings, our extended family, and all those who loved and supported us. We continue to live with unanswered questions, which makes it incredibly difficult to find any sense of peace. I hope that one day we may receive the answers we need to begin to move forward. For now, we continue life without our big sister. She will never see my graduation, my wedding, or meet her future nieces or nephews."
Police statement on avoidable tragedy
Detective Sergeant Rich Glanville said: "Morgan’s family have shown great courage despite experiencing such a terrible loss and we want to thank them for their patience and support through what’s been a really tough 18 months for them, while our investigation and court proceedings took place. It’s truly devastating that not only have they lost a loved one, but that Reed has not given them the answers about what happened that night – answers they deserve to have. This was a completely avoidable tragedy and was caused because Reed failed to have control over a dangerous breed of dog."
