Hairdresser who kicked police officer trying to arrest her for driving home after downing Tequila and lager during seven-hour drinking binge is spared jail
Hairdresser avoids jail after attacking police officer during drunk driving arrest
Katie Bradsell, a 35-year-old hairdresser, received a community order instead of incarceration after she physically confronted a police officer during an attempted arrest for driving while under the influence. The incident occurred in January when Bradsell consumed eight pints of lager and shots of Tequila over a seven-hour drinking session at her local pub.
Refusal of assistance leads to confrontation
Bradsell was at the Saughall Arms pub in Cheshire for a Wednesday quiz night when she declined multiple offers of rides from patrons and staff. Despite being visibly intoxicated, she opted to drive her Audi home, a 1.1-mile journey. The landlady, Sue Summers, contacted the police after Bradsell claimed her residence was just “down the road.”
Officers arrived at Bradsell’s home near Chester and found her car parked in the driveway. When asked to provide a breath sample, she refused and kicked a police officer as they escorted her to the vehicle. Later, at the police station, she again declined the test and assaulted another officer by striking a door repeatedly.
“She indicated her intent to leave in her car, even though she was intoxicated. A few people around her suggested a lift, but she remained determined to drive,” stated Lisa McGuire, the prosecutor.
Bradsell admitted to failing to provide a breath sample and two incidents of assaulting emergency workers. She was ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days and participate in a three-month alcohol treatment program as part of a 12-month community sentence. Additionally, she must pay £75 compensation to each officer and cover £199 in costs and a surcharge.
Pre-existing convictions add to case
Bradsell’s history includes a 2023 conviction for racially aggravated harassment, where she insulted a mixed-race neighbor with derogatory remarks. She also had a 2020 charge for assault on an emergency worker. The prosecution highlighted her alcohol consumption from 3pm to 10pm, estimating her intake as “eight pints of lager and a shot of alcohol.”
In defense, Catherine Higham, Bradsell’s solicitor, noted her struggles with mental health and reliance on alcohol to manage stress. “She was partially medicated but still faced challenges in accessing support from her GP,” Higham explained.
Judge emphasizes alcohol’s impact on mental health
District Judge Jack McGarva acknowledged Bradsell’s personal challenges, stating, “It is clear that there are issues in your life making it hard to cope—though alcohol does little to help. For someone with anxiety and depression, alcohol is likely the worst choice, as it acts as a depressant and causes severe lows after highs.”
