Drink-driver cheats prison after smash
The 33-year-old had taken Linda Clarke's car without permission and then crashed it.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard yesterday that the two women had been in a relationship until October and had remained friends.
In March, Miss Clarke left her car at the defendant's house in Dividy Road, Bentilee, and they went out in Hanley, including a visit to Pink, where Bedingfield is head of door staff.
Philip Beardwell, prosecuting, said: "At 2am, the defendant became argumentative. A confrontation ensued between her and Miss Clarke.
"Staff at the club separated them and Miss Clarke decided to go home.
"At 5.30am, a householder in Cellarhead was woken by the sound of a crash.
"Damage was caused to a dry stone wall and Miss Clarke's car was heavily damaged. The householder spoke to the defendant, who claimed she had swerved to avoid a badger."
Bedingfield gave a breath test reading of 65mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 35.
Bedingfield admitted aggravated vehicle taking and drink-driving.
Mark Bromley, defending, said the insurance had paid out for Miss Clarke's car in full.
"There was a disagreement," he said. "She returned home and made a foolish decision to try to speak to the complainant to iron things out. She should have done that the following day, but did not. She drove the complainant's vehicle and was involved in the collision."
The court heard Bedingfield may not be able to renew her bouncer's licence when it expires in 2012 because of these convictions.
Judge Robert Trevor-Jones gave Bedingfield a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, with 120 hours unpaid work and 12 months' supervision. He banned her from driving for two years and ordered her to pay £480 compensation for the wall and £722 prosecution costs.
He told Bedingfield: "You made a stupid and very dangerous decision.
"You weren't in proper control of that car and it is fortunate no-one was injured."
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