Hairdresser who kicked cop trying to arrest her for drink driving is spared jail
A hairdresser who kicked a police officer attempting to arrest her for drink driving has been spared jail time and given a community order instead.
Katie Bradsell, a 35-year-old hairdresser from Saughall, near Chester, was spared jail after being found guilty of drink driving and assaulting a police officer. After a night of heavy drinking, where she consumed eight pints of lager and a Tequila shot, Bradsell attempted to drive home despite being inebriated. Concerned for her safety, the landlady of the local pub alerted police, leading to her arrest. She resisted the arrest by kicking an officer, which added to her charges.
The case reflects a broader issue regarding drink driving and the consequences that arise from it, especially the dangers not just to the driver but to other road users as well. Bradsell's decision to drive after such excessive consumption highlights the ongoing public health messages about the risks associated with drink driving, and the responsibilities individuals have when consuming alcohol.
Ultimately, Bradsell was ordered to complete community service as part of her sentence. This outcome raises questions about the effectiveness of alternatives to prison for cases involving both drink driving and assaults on emergency workers, as well as what deterrents might truly modify behavior in the face of such public safety violations.