‘Traumatised' brother of XL Bully victim pleads for leniency after crime ‘spree'

Sunday World

04-06-2025

​​​​​Bradley Morey pleaded guilty to a litany of offences with his barrister asking the court to afford him 'whatever leniency it can'
The tragic death of Nicole Morey, who was mauled to death by her own dogs, was highlighted in court yesterday when her brother pleaded guilty to a litany of criminal offences.
Pleading for leniency at Bradley Morey's sentencing hearing at Limerick Circuit Court, defence barrister, Liam Carroll BL, said Ms Morey's death had been 'exceptionally difficult' for her brother, who was a 'juvenile' when he committed a 'spree' of criminal offences.
Morey, (18), of Bawnmore, Southill, Limerick, admitted a total of 11 offences, including being armed with a metal bar while engaging with others in violent disorder, stealing cars, breaking into cars, and driving away from filling station forecourts without paying for motor fuel.
Mr Carroll asked the court to 'afford Mr Morey whatever leniency it can' and described Nicole Morey's death as 'an exceptional tragedy' for the defendant.
Today marks the first anniversary of the death.
'One year ago his sister was sadly mauled to death by two XL bully dogs, and matters went from bad to worse for Mr Morey,' Mr Carroll told Judge Fiona O'Sullivan.
The barrister said Mr Morey, had heard about his sister's shocking death while in custody awaiting sentence and that his sister's death has left him traumatised.
'He started smoking cannabis when he was 12 years old, he was keeping bad company, and to comprehend matters the family dynamic became worse one year ago when his sister was sadly mauled to death by her two XL Bully dogs,' Mr Carroll told the judge.
'Her own dogs killed her, effectively,' Mr Carroll told the sentencing hearing, which was adjourned.
Nicole Morey was 23 when she died
News in 90 June 4th
Nicole Morey's death fuelled a national debate about the banning of dogs which many people considered to be a dangerous breed, however some owners of the dogs disagreed.
Following her sister's death, Jolene Morey publicly called for XL Bully dogs to be banned.
On February 1 last, new legislation was introduced making it illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless an owner can produce a certificate of exemption.
Just days ahead of the first anniversary of her sister's death, Jolene Morey posted heartfelt tributes to her on social media.
'I miss you so much...I can't wait for the day we get to see each other again,' Ms Morey wrote.
'After loosing your only sister is (most) painful thing that anyone can go (through) in life, how my life has changed it's so horrible without you Nicole, I miss you so so much,' she stated.
'Everyday is so different for me now and it's so horrible, I'll never get used (to) this, it breaks my heart it doesn't feel real yet to me Nicole, I wish you we're here, I miss you so much,' she added.
Last week it emerged that 50 XL Bully dog breeds had been surrendered to local authorities since the new law was introduced.
Last October it also became illegal to import, breed, regime or resell an XL Bully.
Certificates of exemptions cannot be granted to XL Bully dog owners that have not been neutered or deemed medically unfit for neutering.
The highest numbers of XL Bully dogs were surrendered to local authorities, since February 1st, were Dublin City Council (11); Limerick City and County Council (10); Cork City Council (4).
Armed gardaí were deployed to Nicole Morey's rented home in Fedamore, County Limerick, after she was attacked by her dogs on her 23rd birthday.
The armed officers shot one of the dogs and took control of others at the rural property on June 4, 2024.
Days later armed gardaí shot a pit bull dog after it dog attacked two people at a house in Cork.
Last March, an XL Bully dog was shot by armed gardaí in Limerick as they chased a drugs suspect and the animal was later euthanised by a vet.
Pit bull terriers and XL Bully dogs are both on a list of restricted dog breeds in Ireland.
A week prior to Nicole Morey's death, eight-year-old Jackson Flynn, Limerick, was attacked by a dog in a park and sustained 30 stitches to his face.
His father, Joe Flynn, (50s), said his son was 'lucky' to have survived the attack after the dog locked its jaws onto the boy's face and left him 'traumatised'.
In total, over 1800 applications for certificates of exemption for XL Bully dogs have been received by authorities and almost 1,000 have been approved.
Owners found to be in breach of the legislation could have their dog seized and euthanised and also face a fine of up to €250, a three month jail sentence, or both