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

A Hairdresser Avoids Incarceration After Roadside Altercation

Katie Bradsell, a 35-year-old hairdresser, was given a community order instead of jail time after she assaulted two police officers during an arrest attempt. The incident occurred in January when Bradsell drove home following a seven-hour drinking session at her local pub, consuming eight pints of lager and Tequila.

Incident Details

The Saughall Arms pub in Cheshire was the scene of Bradsell’s intoxication, which began at 3pm and continued until around 10pm. Despite being offered lifts by regulars and staff, she insisted on driving the 1.1-mile route home in her Audi. The landlady, Sue Summers, called the police after Bradsell claimed her residence was “only down the road.”

Officers arrived at her home and found her car parked in the driveway. When asked to provide a breath sample, Bradsell refused and kicked one officer in the leg. Later, at the police station, she became confrontational again, striking a door multiple times and threatening another officer.

Legal Outcome

Bradsell pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample and two counts of assault on emergency workers at Chester Magistrates Court. 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.

Background of Offenses

Bradsell has a history of alcohol-related offenses. In 2020, she was convicted of assault on an emergency worker. In 2023, she was also found guilty of racially aggravated harassment after calling a mixed-race neighbor a “fat smelly sweaty p***” and an “ugly c***” during a dispute.

“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.'” — Lisa McGuire, prosecuting

“She was medicated to some extent but was still struggling to obtain the assistance from her GP.” — Catherine Higham, defense solicitor

During sentencing, District Judge Jack McGarva noted that Bradsell had “significant issues with mental health” and relied on alcohol to manage stress. The judge emphasized that while alcohol can temporarily ease anxiety, it often exacerbates the challenges faced by those with depression and emotional distress.