Brooke Thornley, an 18-year-old from Kilmarnock, went on a violent rampage after the family dog refused to dance with her on her birthday, Preston Crown Court heard. She pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), criminal damage, and animal cruelty.
Birthday celebration turns violent
Thornley had been celebrating her 18th birthday with family at a pub in Fleetwood before returning home to continue drinking and dancing. When she picked up the family dog to dance and it barked at her, she lost her temper, screamed, and kicked the dog. The dog ran into the kitchen, but Thornley chased and kicked it again.
Her sister intervened, but Thornley turned on her, kicking her and stamping on her head. Their mother tried to protect the sister, but Thornley kicked and hit her all over her body. Thornley then picked up a knife and lunged at her mother, who managed to knock it out of her hand.
Further violence and threats
Thornley proceeded to smash up the kitchen before leaving the house with the dog. When she returned, she banged on her sister's door and made threats to kill her. The noise woke their father, who told their mother to call the police. Thornley ran at him, causing him to fall and hurt his wrist.
The court heard that Thornley's sister suffered bruising to her leg, chest, and shoulder, while their mother had swelling and bruising to her face and cheek.
Sentencing and background
Thornley, of Hunter Road, Kilmarnock, has since moved to Scotland to live with extended family and started working. Recorder Michelle Brown noted the seriousness of the case but recognized Thornley's young age and difficult home background. She said, "It is clear from their statements that your sister and mum were very frightened and distressed by your actions. You have found a new life with support from extended family and have found work."
As there was no provision for a suspended sentence to be supervised in Scotland, Recorder Brown chose between prison and a community order. She handed down a three-year community order with a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirements, and 80 hours of unpaid work. She told Thornley, "Your behaviour and the vicious nature of the assault on your family members and the dog were very serious. I very much hope you will work with the Probation Service to deal with this."
