Woman gets suspended sentence for fatal XL bully attack

A woman has received a suspended prison sentence for being in charge of an XL bully dog that fatally attacked her teenage cousin. Kelcie Reed, 24, was sentenced on September 4, 2026, at Bristol Crown Court to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to undergo a nine-month mental health treatment program. The attack occurred on February 26, 2026, at a flat on Cobhorn Drive in Withywood, Bristol. Morgan Dorsett, 19, from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, suffered fatal injuries to her neck and head when the XL bully, named Prince, attacked her. Emergency services were called to the scene but were unable to save Ms. Dorsett, who died at the location. The dog was subsequently put down. Reed had previously pleaded guilty in May 2026 to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death. During sentencing, Judge Anna Richardson described the case as "utterly tragic" for Ms. Dorsett's family, acknowledging the profound impact on them and on Reed. The judge noted that any sentence would likely appear inadequate to the victim's loved ones given the magnitude of the harm.