Drink-driver who racially abused and assaulted police sentenced

Louise Bailey was arrested and charged with a string of offences after members of the public reported seeing her crash into a lamppost and two stationary bicycles in St James’s Street, Brighton, said police.

The incident occurred at about 6pm on Sunday, June 4, four days into Sussex Police’s summer crackdown on drink and drug-drivers.

Officers carried out a search of the area and spotted a white Smart car matching the description of the reports travelling westbound along Marine Parade, towards Brighton Palace Pier.

Despite officers’ repeated attempts to indicate for her to stop, police said her vehicle only came to a halt when forced to do so by heavy traffic.

Bailey, 38, a property manager, of St George’s Terrace, Brighton, was arrested at the scene and was initially compliant, however en route to custody police say she became verbally and racially abusive.

This continued as she was taken into custody, where she assaulted two police officers – kicking one in the leg and using her body weight to push another against a wall.

While in custody she also refused to provide a sample of breath for analysis.

Appearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (July 6), Bailey pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis, two counts of assaulting a police officer and racially aggravated harassment.

She was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work. She was also disqualified from driving for four years, and ordered to pay £160 compensation, £500 in fines, £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

The severity of her sentence was reflected by the seriousness of the offences and a previous conviction for drink-driving in August 2008.

People in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink or drug-driving, or visit the Operation Crackdown website.

Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.