Woman admits guilt in fatal XL bully attack

Avon and Somerset Police

A woman has admitted being in charge of an XL bully that killed her teenage cousin.

Kelcie Reed, 24, of Lawrence Weston, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to being in charge of a dog dangerously out control, causing the death of Morgan Dorsett.

Dorsett, who was 19 and from Shrewsbury, died after being attacked at a flat in Bishopsworth, Bristol, on 26 February 2025.

Reed was granted bail ahead of sentencing on 9 July.

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The dog, named Prince, was sedated at the scene of the attack on Cobhorn Drive and later put down, police said.

Reed spoke only to confirm her identity at the brief hearing, and to enter her guilty plea.

Despite granting her bail, Judge Martin Picton told Reed’s barrister: “She must understand, as I am sure you’ve explained, the strong likelihood of immediate custody on the next occasion.”

The bail conditions state Reed must not own or be in control of any dog, under any circumstances.

Dorsett died at the scene from her injuries. A post-mortem concluded she died from bites to her neck and face.

A man in his 20s, who was also arrested in connection with the incident, was later released and told he would face no further action.

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