A former beauty queen has received a suspended prison sentence and community service for an assault involving a red stiletto heel.
Taylor Gidley, 24, was given a nine-month suspended prison term and ordered to complete 120 hours of community service at Preston Crown Court on Monday. She had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. The attack occurred on October 24, 2024, outside a hunt ball in Bilsborrow, Lancashire.
The court heard that Gidley, then 21, used her stiletto shoe to strike a woman in the face while waiting for a taxi. The victim told the court that she sustained a noticeable scar and experiences anxiety, particularly around drunk individuals, due to the incident. She also reported feeling self-conscious about the scar.
At the time of the assault, Gidley had recently competed in the Miss Great Britain final, having been crowned Miss Lancashire just weeks prior. Her mother had previously expressed pride in her daughter's role in encouraging confidence in others.
Prosecutor Mia Monahan told the court that the victim had inquired about sharing a taxi with a man known to Gidley. A witness described Gidley, wearing a red dress, shouting at another woman about approaching 'Pete' for a cab. Gidley then used her stiletto heel to hit the victim, causing her to fall. The court heard that Gidley continued to strike the victim while she was on the ground.
The injured woman later sought medical attention, where her injury was deemed consistent with being struck by a small object. Gidley was identified through social media and arrested the same day. Her red dress and stilettos were found at her home when she was re-arrested in December 2024.
During the legal proceedings, Gidley claimed self-defense, stating she did not intend to cause injury. However, she later admitted to unlawful wounding.
Joe Allman, Gidley's defense counsel, presented character references that described her as kind, caring, and empathetic, suggesting the incident was out of character. He noted her business studies degree and her current work in an equine business.
Judge Recorder Ben Lawrence acknowledged that the incident appeared to be out of character and that Gidley had no prior offenses. The judge stated that Gidley's anger was unjustified and likely influenced by alcohol consumption. The judge accepted that Gidley agreed the cause of her anger was unjustified.