A shocking incident unfolded at Neath’s Ambassador Hotel after a night of drinking led to unexpected violence. Emma Ridge, 42, was living at the hotel when she invited another woman to her room. After her attempts at a kiss were rebuffed, she allegedly slapped the woman, pushed her onto the bed, and shockingly put a pillow over her face. Ridge’s bizarre behaviour continued as she got up and danced around the room before the victim managed to escape and alert security.
This disturbing assault trial recently concluded at the Swansea Crown Court. Despite Ridge’s initial denial and failure to attend court, she was eventually arrested and pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm. The original charges, including strangulation, were not pursued.
Recorder Mark Powell KC deemed it an “unfortunate incident” spurred by alcohol. Ridge, who has nine previous convictions, including common assault, received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. She’s now bound to 60 hours of unpaid work, must complete a drug rehab programme, and will be under an alcohol abstinence order for the next 90 days.
Let’s hope Emma Ridge finds her way to rehabilitation and leaves this behaviour in the past. It’s a stark reminder of the unpredictability of alcohol-fuelled situations. Stay safe, everyone.