A hairdresser has avoided a prison sentence after assaulting police officers who attempted to arrest her for driving under the influence, following a lengthy drinking session where she consumed eight pints of lager and Tequila. Katie Bradsell, aged 35, was drinking at her local pub during a quiz night in January and declined multiple offers of lifts from friends and staff, opting instead to drive the short 1.1-mile journey home in her Audi.
Pub Landlady Alerted Authorities
The landlady of the Saughall Arms in Cheshire, Sue Summers, contacted the police after Bradsell insisted her home was only down the road and drove away. Bradsell had been at the pub from approximately 3 pm to 10 pm, engaging in a seven-hour drinking binge. Officers subsequently visited her residence in Saughall, near Chester, where they found her car parked in the driveway.
Confrontation and Assaults
Upon arrival, Bradsell refused to undergo a breathalyser test and became confrontational. As she was being escorted to a police vehicle, she kicked out at an officer, making contact with their legs. At the police station, she again refused to provide a breath sample and angrily kicked a door multiple times, striking another officer. Fortunately, neither officer sustained significant injuries from these assaults.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Bradsell pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates Court to failing to provide a breath sample for analysis and to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. On Wednesday, she was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes completing 20 rehabilitation activity days and attending a three-month alcohol treatment programme.
Additionally, she was ordered to pay £75 in compensation to each of the assaulted officers, along with £199 in costs and a surcharge. The court also imposed a 20-month driving ban on Bradsell, restricting her from operating a vehicle during this period.
Previous Criminal Record
This incident is not Bradsell's first encounter with the law. In 2023, she was convicted of racially aggravated harassment after verbally abusing a mixed-race neighbour during an argument in their cul-de-sac. She also has a prior conviction from 2020 for assaulting an emergency worker, highlighting a pattern of aggressive behaviour.
Prosecution and Defence Arguments
Prosecutor Lisa McGuire detailed to the court that Bradsell had been drinking at the pub for hours, with estimates suggesting she consumed around eight pints of lager and a shot of alcohol. McGuire stated that despite concerns from pub staff and regulars, Bradsell was determined to drive home, leading to the police intervention.
In mitigation, defence solicitor Catherine Higham explained that Bradsell has significant issues with mental health and has turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Higham noted that her client was medicated but struggling to access adequate support from her GP, contributing to her actions.
Judge's Remarks
District Judge Jack McGarva addressed Bradsell during sentencing, acknowledging her personal struggles but emphasising the dangers of alcohol abuse. He stated, It is clear that there are issues that have gone on in your life making it very difficult for you to cope - though having a massive amount of alcohol does not help that at all. For people with anxiety and depression, alcohol is probably the worst thing you can use. It is a depressant and after a high there is a massive low.
The judge concluded that while Bradsell's mental health challenges were considered, her actions warranted the community order and driving ban to address both her behaviour and alcohol dependency.
