Drunk Donna Locked Up After Vodka Fueled Court Meltdown
Donna Urquhart, 43, paid the price for knocking back vodka before her hearing. Judge William Ashworth ruled she was too drunk to be sentenced and threw her behind bars for the festive period. She’ll stay locked up until 14th January after being remanded in custody on Friday morning.
Judge Faces Angry Outburst From Defendant’s Supporter
The drama didn’t end there. Just as the judge made his decision, a male supporter of Urquhart erupted with a torrent of abuse from the public gallery. Security had to step in and drag the furious man out, shouting, “You’re having a fucking laugh” and mocking the judge’s wig before both he and Urquhart were removed from the courtroom.
Case Delayed After Vodka Confiscation, Deferral Refused
Urquhart’s defence barrister, Rob Harding, begged for more time to assess his client amid concerns over her drunken state. Reports suggested court security even confiscated vodka from her before proceedings began. Harding asked for sentencing to be postponed until the afternoon so probation could prepare a stand-down report. But Judge Ashworth was unimpressed with Urquhart’s blatant disrespect, refusing to delay and remanding her instead.
“I’m concerned about your intoxication, so you will be remanded in custody,” said Judge Ashworth, setting off the courtroom chaos.
Co-Defendant Chloe Rowsell Gets Community Order
With Urquhart out of the way, the judge turned to her co-defendant Chloe Rowsell, 22, from St Faiths Road, Landport. Rowsell was sentenced to a 12-month community order, 40 hours of unpaid work, and electronic tagging from 7pm to 7am until 1st February. The judge cited her previous good character and caring responsibilities for her mum and son as reasons for leniency.
Urquhart must return to Portsmouth Crown Court on 14th January for sentencing.
