Drink ban for drunk woman who refused to get off bus

A drunk woman who refused to leave a bus before abusing police officers in Sheffield has been banned from drinking in public.

Keeley Rowding was also banned from drink driving after a court passed a Criminal Behavior Order (CBO) designed to prevent her from reoffending.

The 38-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of being drunk and disorderly and using threatening/abusive words/behavior likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress when she appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on May 24.

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It comes after Sheffield officers were called to the Manor Top bus interchange on March 5. When they arrived, a bus driver informed them that an intoxicated woman was refusing to leave her vehicle.

Officers boarded the bus and found Rowding slumped over in a seat. She was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly after refusing to leave the bus when asked by officers.

Rowding was later transferred to hospital, where she became abusive towards police, shouting insults at them in full view of other patients. She also became abusive towards a member of the public who stepped in to speak to her in an attempt to calm her down.

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She was further arrested on suspicion of Section 5 Public Order.

At her hearing on May 24, Rowding was made subject to a CBO which will last for three years. It states that Rowding must not consume alcohol in a public place other than a licensed premises, be under the influence of alcohol in a public place or remain in any retail, commercial or with license, if owner asked to leave, occupant.

NPT Inspector Alec Gibbons said: “Rowding showed a complete lack of respect for everyone he came into contact with on the night of March 5. Firstly to the bus driver who was just doing his job, then to our officers who were called to the scene and finally to the member of the public who selflessly stepped in to try and calm her down.

“No one should feel uncomfortable or unsafe as they go about their daily lives in Sheffield and I am pleased with the outcome in court. Rowding must now abide by the terms of the CBO or face jail time.

“Our officers involved in this case showed an incredible level of professionalism when dealing with an uncooperative offender and an extremely difficult situation – I would like to thank them for their great work.”

Rowding was also ordered to pay an £80 fine, £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.