Woman sentenced after fatal dog attack in Bristol

A woman has been sentenced after admitting to being in charge of an XL bully that killed 19-year-old Morgan Dorsett in Bristol last year.

Kelcie Reed, 24, was given an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, at Bristol Crown Court today (4 September) having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, resulting in death.

Morgan, her cousin, died after being attacked by the dog at a flat in Withywood on the evening of 26 February 2025.

Reed, of Lawrence Weston, was arrested at the scene by officers responding to a call she made reporting that Morgan had been attacked by a dog and was not breathing.

Tragically, Morgan (pictured below) was pronounced dead at the scene, despite efforts made by officers to save her.

The dog was subsequently sedated by officers before being taken away for assessment by experts, where it was euthanised several days later.

Following the police investigation, Reed was charged earlier this year before pleading guilty in May.

Speaking at today’s sentencing hearing, Marie Smith, Morgan’s mum, said her death had affected the family so deeply that it was “difficult to put into words”.

Morgan Dorsett

Marie Smith 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.”

Morgan’s younger sister, Caelia Dorsett, said she had lost her “best friend” and that Morgan’s death had had a long-term impact on her mental health.

“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.” she said.

“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.”

Judge Anna Richardson said it was an “utterly tragic” case and called such attacks “horrific”.

The judge recognised that Kelcie Reed had tried to intervene in the attack.

Referring to Morgan’s mum and sister reading out victim impact statements in court, the judge added: “The courage that it must take to stand up and read a statement about the pain of your loss is extraordinary.”

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.”

In addition to the prison sentence, Reed has also been banned from keeping a dog for 15 years.