A woman has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after a large-breed dog under her responsibility attacked and killed her 19-year-old cousin.
Kelcie Reed, from Lawrence Weston, had earlier pleaded guilty to being responsible for a dog that was dangerously out of control and caused the death of Morgan Dorsett.
Dorsett, from Shrewsbury, died from neck injuries sustained in the attack, according to the post-mortem examination.
The incident happened at Reed’s home on Conhorn Drive, Withywood, in February 2025.
At Bristol Crown Court, Judge Anna Richardson sentenced Reed to 18 weeks in prison but suspended the sentence for 18 months.
The sentence was reduced from 26 weeks after the court took Reed’s guilty plea into consideration.
The dog, which belonged to Reed’s boyfriend, was later put down.
Reed was also ordered to undergo mental health treatment for nine months as part of her sentence.
In passing sentence, Judge Richardson described the incident as an extremely tragic event for the Dorsett family, while noting that it had also had a significant impact on Reed.
She acknowledged that the sentence could be viewed as inadequate by Dorsett’s family given the devastating loss of their loved one.
However, the judge stressed that Reed would still have to serve the prison sentence if she failed to comply with the conditions imposed by the court.
Reed is required to undergo treatment and attend scheduled appointments during the 18-month suspension period.
If she fails to comply with the requirements or complete the treatment, she will be required to serve the 18-week prison sentence.
