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 Kicked Police Officer During Arrest for Intoxicated Driving, Avoids Jail Time

A 35-year-old hairdresser faced charges of assaulting police officers after refusing to comply with an arrest for driving home while intoxicated following a seven-hour drinking session.

Katie Bradsell had been consuming alcohol at her local pub during a quiz night in January. Despite multiple offers of rides from patrons and staff, she chose to drive her Audi for the 1.1-mile journey home. The pub’s landlady, Sue Summers, contacted authorities after Bradsell claimed her residence was “only down the road” from the Saughall Arms in Cheshire. The police arrived at her home around 10 p.m., only to find her car parked in the driveway.

When officers attempted to arrest Bradsell, she resisted by kicking one of them. Later, at the police station, she refused to undergo another breath test and struck a door repeatedly, targeting a second officer. Though no serious injuries were reported, the incidents led to her conviction for two counts of assault on emergency workers.

Bradsell was sentenced at Chester Magistrates Court to a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days and participation in a three-month alcohol treatment program. She was also required to pay £75 compensation to each officer and cover additional costs totaling £199.

“She had been drinking at the pub from 3 p.m. to around 10 p.m., and her intoxication was evident,” said Lisa McGuire, the prosecutor. “Ms Summers anticipated she had consumed eight pints of lager and a shot of alcohol. When she insisted on driving, several people urged her to accept a lift, but she remained determined to return home alone.”

Bradsell’s legal team argued that she struggled with mental health challenges and used alcohol as a coping mechanism. “She was medicated to some extent but still had difficulty accessing consistent support from her GP,” noted defense solicitor Catherine Higham.

During sentencing, District Judge Jack McGarva emphasized the impact of alcohol on her condition. “For someone with anxiety and depression, alcohol can worsen their struggles. It acts as a depressant, and the high it provides often leads to a severe low,” he remarked.

In 2023, Bradsell was previously convicted of racially aggravated harassment after insulting a mixed-race neighbor with derogatory remarks. She also had a 2020 record for assaulting an emergency worker.