A teenage girl launched a violent attack on her family and the family dog after the pet refused to dance with her during her 18th birthday celebrations, a court has heard.
Brooke Thornley, 18, had been celebrating at a pub in Fleetwood, Lancashire, before returning home to continue drinking and dancing. When she tried to pick up the family dog for a dance, the animal barked at her, causing her to fly into a rage.
She kicked the dog, then pursued it into the kitchen to kick it again. When her sister intervened, Thornley turned on her, kicking and stamping on her head. Their mother then stepped in to protect her daughter, but Thornley repeatedly kicked and struck her.
Thornley then grabbed a knife and lunged at her mother, who managed to knock the weapon from her hand. She went on to smash up the kitchen before leaving with the dog. Upon returning, she hammered on her sister's door while issuing death threats, waking their father, who told their mother to call the police. Thornley ran at him, causing him to fall and hurt his wrist.
At Preston Crown Court, Thornley pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, criminal damage, and animal cruelty. The court heard she has since moved to Scotland to live with extended family and has started working.
Recorder Michelle Brown handed down a three-year community order with a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, 20 days of rehabilitation activity, and 80 hours of unpaid work, noting that Thornley's age and difficult background were factors in avoiding a prison sentence.
