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 Sentence After Kicking Officer During Drunk Driving Arrest
Katie Bradsell, a 35-year-old hairdresser, avoided incarceration after a confrontation with police officers who attempted to arrest her for operating a vehicle while under the influence. The incident occurred following a seven-hour drinking session in which she consumed eight pints of lager and Tequila, leading to her decision to drive home despite being visibly intoxicated.
Incident Details
Bradsell was at her local pub during a quiz night in January, declining multiple requests for a ride from patrons and staff. She opted to drive her Audi for the 1.1-mile journey back to her residence, which is situated near the Saughall Arms in Cheshire.
The pub’s landlady, Sue Summers, called the police after Bradsell claimed her home was “only down the road” from the venue. The hairdresser had been drinking from approximately 3pm until 10pm, prompting Summers to report her as the officers arrived at the scene.
Upon reaching her address, the police found her car parked in the driveway. Bradsell was then arrested after refusing to undergo a breath test. During the arrest, she kicked an officer and struck their legs. She later repeated the behavior at the police station, slamming a door multiple times before being subdued.
“Miss Bradsell indicated her intention to leave in her car, even though she was intoxicated. A few people around her said, ‘We will give you a lift home.'” – Lisa McGuire, prosecutor
Bradsell pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. The court imposed a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days and participation in a three-month alcohol treatment program.
As part of her sentence, she was ordered to pay £75 compensation to each officer involved and cover additional costs totaling £199. Bradsell also has a prior conviction for racially aggravated harassment in 2023, where she insulted a mixed-race neighbor. She previously admitted to assaulting an emergency worker in 2020.
“She was medicated to some extent but still struggled to get help from her GP.” – Catherine Higham, defense solicitor
During sentencing, Judge Jack McGarva remarked on Bradsell’s mental health challenges, stating that alcohol exacerbates difficulties for individuals with anxiety and depression. “After a high, there is a massive low,” he noted, emphasizing the impact of her actions on her condition.
