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 trying to arrest her for driving home intoxicated is given community order

Katie Bradsell, 35, avoided incarceration after she attacked a police officer during an attempt to arrest her for driving while under the influence. The incident occurred in January when Bradsell, a hairdresser, consumed eight pints of lager and Tequila over a seven-hour period at her local pub before deciding to drive home in her Audi.

Bradsell had been at the Saughall Arms pub in Cheshire for the evening, participating in its regular Wednesday quiz night. Despite being visibly drunk, she insisted on taking the 1.1-mile journey herself, dismissing offers of lifts from patrons and staff. Sue Summers, the pub’s landlady, reported her to the police after Bradsell claimed her home was “only down the road.”

Officers arrived at Bradsell’s residence to find her car parked in the driveway. When asked to provide a breath sample, she refused and kicked one officer as they tried to lead her to the police car. At the station, she again declined to comply and struck a door multiple times, targeting another officer. Neither officer suffered major injuries from the assaults.

Convictions and sentencing details

Bradsell pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates Court to two counts of assault on emergency workers and one charge of failing to provide a breath sample. She was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days and participation in a three-month alcohol treatment program. Additionally, she was ordered to pay £75 compensation to each officer and cover £199 in costs and a surcharge.

“She had been drinking at the pub from 3pm to around 10pm, and Ms Summers estimated she had consumed eight pints of lager and a shot of alcohol,” said Lisa McGuire, the prosecutor.

Bradsell has a history of offenses, including a 2023 conviction for racially aggravated harassment after she insulted a mixed-race neighbor with derogatory remarks. She also had a prior record for assault on an emergency worker in 2020. Her defense solicitor, Catherine Higham, highlighted her struggles with mental health, noting that she used alcohol as a coping mechanism despite being medicated.

“She had significant issues with mental health and relied on alcohol to manage them,” Higham explained. “Although medicated, she still faced challenges in securing support from her GP.”

District Judge Jack McGarva acknowledged Bradsell’s personal struggles, stating, “Alcohol is likely the worst choice for someone dealing with anxiety and depression. It acts as a depressant and leaves a severe emotional low after a high.”