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 who kicked police officer during arrest for drunk driving after seven-hour drinking session avoids jail

Katie Bradsell, 35, was at her local pub during a quiz night in January. She declined several offers of lifts from regulars and bar staff, deciding to drive the 1.1-mile trip home in her Audi. The pub’s owner, Sue Summers, called the police after Bradsell insisted her house was “only down the road” from the Saughall Arms in Cheshire. Bradsell had been drinking from around 3pm to 10pm before driving away.

Police Encounter and Charges

Officers arrived at Bradsell’s residence in Saughall, near Chester, to find her car parked in the driveway. She refused a breathalysed test and kicked an officer as they attempted to arrest her. Later at the police station, she struck a door repeatedly, targeting another officer. No serious injuries were reported in the assaults.

Community Order and Financial Penalties

Bradell was sentenced at Chester Magistrates Court to a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days and a three-month alcohol treatment program. She also paid £75 compensation to each officer, plus £199 in costs and a surcharge.

Previous Convictions Highlight Pattern of Behavior

Bradsell had been convicted of racially aggravated harassment in 2023, after she insulted a mixed-race neighbor with remarks like “fat smelly sweaty p***” and “ugly c***” during a dispute in their cul-de-sac. She also faced an assault charge on an emergency worker in 2020.

Prosecution and Defense Arguments

Lisa McGuire, the prosecutor, stated that Bradsell had been drinking at the Saughall Arms from 3pm to 10pm. Ms Summers estimated the hairdresser had consumed about “eight pints of lager and a shot of alcohol.” McGuire added:

“Miss Bradsell then 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’.”

Defense solicitor Catherine Higham argued that Bradsell had “significant mental health challenges” and used alcohol “as a coping mechanism.” She noted that while Bradsell was medicated, she still struggled to access support from her general practitioner.

“For individuals with anxiety and depression, alcohol is likely the worst thing you can use. It is a depressant and after a high there is a massive low.”