Brooke Thornley, an 18-year-old from Fleetwood, Lancashire, launched a violent attack on her family and the family dog after the pet refused to dance with her during her 18th birthday celebrations, Preston Crown Court heard.
Birthday Celebrations Turn Violent
Thornley had been celebrating her birthday with relatives at a pub in Fleetwood before returning home to continue drinking and dancing. At one point, she attempted to pick up the family dog to dance with it, but when the animal barked at her, she became enraged and screamed at it.
She kicked the dog, which fled into the kitchen, but Thornley pursued and kicked it again. Her sister intervened, but Thornley turned on her, kicking her and stamping on her head. The mother then tried to protect her daughter, but Thornley lashed out, kicking and striking her repeatedly across her body.
Knife Attack and Death Threats
Thornley grabbed a knife and lunged towards her mother, who managed to knock the weapon from her hand. She then smashed up the kitchen before leaving the property with the dog. Upon returning, she hammered on her sister's door while issuing death threats, which woke their father. He told the mother to call the police, and Thornley ran at him, causing him to fall and hurt his wrist.
Injuries and Guilty Plea
Thornley's sister suffered bruising to her leg, chest, and shoulder, while their mother had swelling and bruising to her face and cheek. Thornley, now of Hunter Road, Kilmarnock, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), criminal damage, and animal cruelty. The court heard she has since moved to Scotland to live with extended family and has started working.
Sentencing Remarks
Recorder Michelle Brown noted the seriousness of the case, stating she would ordinarily impose a prison sentence. However, she acknowledged Thornley's age (18 at the time) and a difficult background at home. Brown 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, Brown imposed 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. You now have support and every opportunity to make your future a better one - I very much hope you take it."
