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Owner Pleads Guilty After XL Bully Killed 19-Year-Old in Bristol

Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, the Crown reviewing limited qualifications to the plea, the defendant on conditional bail banned from owning dogs.

Overview

  • An XL bully named Prince fatally attacked 19-year-old Morgan Dorsett inside a flat in Withywood, Bristol on 26 February 2025, and emergency services who responded at 7:19pm pronounced her dead at the scene.
  • An inquest and police accounts say Dorsett died from severe bites to her face and neck and the dog was later euthanized by authorities.
  • Kelcie Reed, 24, pleaded guilty on 27 May 2026 to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, but her plea was entered 'on a basis' that disputes some factual elements.
  • The Crown has asked time to consider the defence’s qualifications, the judge ordered a pre-sentence report, and Reed will be sentenced on 9 July 2026.
  • Reed was released on conditional bail with an order barring her from owning or controlling any dog and the judge warned of a strong likelihood of immediate custody if she reoffends, while family and school staff have paid tribute to Dorsett’s character and loss.