A stylish hairstylist was reported to the authorities by the owner of her local pub after she insisted on driving home while intoxicated following a quiz night where she had consumed eight pints of lager and a Tequila shot.
Katie Bradsell, aged 35, had been drinking for seven hours but declined offers for a ride home from other patrons and bar employees. Instead, she chose to drive her Audi home, disregarding concerns raised by the pub owner, Sue Summers, who warned her about her condition.
The police were called by Ms. Summers, and they found Bradsell’s car parked outside her residence in Saughall, near Chester. When approached by the officers and asked to take a breathalyzer test, Bradsell refused and even lashed out at a police officer while being escorted to a patrol car.
Subsequently, at the police station, she also physically assaulted another officer and continued to refuse to provide a breath sample. Fortunately, no officers were harmed in the altercations. Investigations revealed that Bradsell had a reputation among neighbors for her drunken episodes and disruptive behavior in their upscale neighborhood.
In court at Chester, Bradsell pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample and two counts of assaulting emergency workers. She was given a 12-month community order that included completing 20 rehabilitation activity days and a three-month alcohol treatment program.
Additionally, she was ordered to compensate each officer with £75, banned from driving for 20 months, and instructed to pay £199 in costs and a surcharge. The incident occurred on January 7 after Bradsell had spent the afternoon at the Saughall Arms pub and stayed for the evening quiz night hosted by the staff.
Prosecutor Lisa McGuire stated that Bradsell had been drinking since 3 pm and by 10:10 pm had consumed approximately eight pints of beer and a shot of alcohol. Despite her inebriation, Bradsell insisted on driving herself home, causing concern among those present.
Her defense solicitor, Catherine Higham, cited Bradsell’s mental health struggles and alcohol use as coping mechanisms. The presiding District Judge, Jack McGarva, acknowledged Bradsell’s challenges but emphasized the negative impact of excessive alcohol consumption on mental health.
Judge McGarva highlighted the detrimental effects of alcohol on individuals dealing with anxiety and depression, cautioning against using alcohol as a coping mechanism due to its depressant nature and resultant emotional lows.