Woman blamed Covid for missed dates
AWOMAN detained in a dramatic police operation later went missing and blamed a series of missed court dates on coronavirus.
Five police cars surrounded Sophie Harding’s vehicle as she was arrested on Bond Street, Bristol city centre, while driving towards the Bearpit roundabout at 11.20am on April 15.
A witness working in a nearby office saw three marked and two unmarked police cars “box in” Harding’s car, before officers handcuffed her and led her into one of their vehicles.
The 35-year-old had been wanted after failing to attend court for driving offences – and although police took her to Bristol Magistrates’ Court that afternoon, she later missed a string of sentencing hearings and evaded arrest for more than two weeks.
During the court appearance on
April 15, Harding had pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance last September in Knightsbridge, London.
Harding, of Snow Hill in Bath, had been caught behind the wheel of a grey Chrysler Sebring in Pont
Street, one of the most affluent streets in London, where properties have an average price of £11.4million according to Rightmove.
After her guilty plea, the defendant was bailed until May 12 for sentencing at Bath Magistrates’ Court.
But Harding did not turn up, claiming she had been “exposed to Covid the day before”. The hearing was adjourned to May 26, allowing for a two-week isolation period.
Harding again failed to attend on May 26. She had emailed the court, claiming her “isolation period ends on May 28” – but the magistrates noted she had provided no medical evidence and the isolation appeared to be longer than necessary.
Although the magistrates disCommittee cussed the possibility of issuing a warrant for her arrest, Harding was given another chance, with a hearing being scheduled for June 7.
When Harding yet again failed to attend Bath Magistrates’ Court on that date, a warrant was issued – but the defendant evaded arrest for more than two weeks.
She was finally detained on the morning of June 23, before appearing by a video link at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court that afternoon.
The court confirmed Harding had six points added to her driving licence. She must complete 10 days of rehabilitation activity over the next year.
Harding must also pay a £95 victim services surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.