Woman sentenced after 19-year-old cousin killed by out-of-control XL bully

A woman whose out-of-control XL bully dog mauled her 19-year-old cousin to death has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Kelcie Reed's pet, named Prince, attacked Morgan Dorsett in a flat in Withywood, Bristol, on 26 February last year.

The 24-year-old pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court in May to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death.

Ms Dorsett, from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, suffered fatal bites to her neck and head during the attack. The dog was later put down.

Reed was handed an 18-week prison sentence - suspended for 18 months - along with a nine-month mental health treatment requirement.

Judge Anna Richardson told her: "This is a case that was utterly tragic for Morgan Dorsett's family and it has also had a huge impact upon you.

"I accept not a comparable impact, but a huge impact.

"The sentence that I pass, regardless of where I found this case was on the guidelines would, I suspect, appear entirely inadequate to Morgan's family.

"That is because the harm that has been suffered is of the greatest possible magnitude for her loved ones.

"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."

In February 2024, it became a criminal offence to own the XL bully breed in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.

Anyone owning one of the dogs must have had the animal neutered, microchipped, and kept muzzled and on a lead in public, among other restrictions.

The government's move to ban the breed followed a series of attacks on people and other dogs.

(c) Sky News 2026: Woman sentenced after 19-year-old cousin killed by out-of-control XL bully