A former beauty queen has been given a suspended jail sentence and ordered to complete community service for attacking a woman with a red stiletto heel. The incident occurred less than a week after Taylor Gidley, then 21, competed in the Miss Great Britain final.
Gidley, now 24, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and was sentenced on Monday at Preston Crown Court to a nine-month prison term, suspended, along with 120 hours of community service. Her victim sustained a noticeable scar on her face and reported feeling self-conscious and anxious when going out.
The court heard that the attack took place on October 24, 2024, outside a hunt ball venue near Preston. Gidley, who works for an equine business, reportedly became enraged in a taxi queue. Witnesses stated that she was arguing with another woman over a taxi. The prosecution stated that Gidley struck the victim in the face with her stiletto heel, causing her to fall. The court was informed that Gidley continued to strike the victim while she was on the ground.
The injured woman later reported head pain and sickness. The following morning, she discovered a 2cm jagged cut on her cheek and sought hospital treatment. Medical staff indicated the injury was consistent with being struck by a small object.
Gidley was identified through social media and arrested the same day. Although initially released under investigation, she was arrested again in December 2024, when her red dress and stiletto heels were found at her home. She initially claimed self-defense but later admitted to the unlawful wounding charge.
During the court hearing, Gidley's defense presented character references describing her as kind, caring, and empathetic, stating the incident was out of character. Her defense also noted her business studies degree and her work with horses.
Sentencing, Judge Recorder Ben Lawrence acknowledged that Gidley's anger appeared to be triggered by the victim asking a man known to Gidley if they could share a taxi. The judge stated that while the cause of her anger was unjustified, he accepted the incident was out of character and that Gidley had no prior or subsequent offenses. He also noted that alcohol consumption likely influenced her actions.
Gidley was crowned Miss Lancashire on June 21, 2024, and competed in the Miss Great Britain finals on October 18 of the same year. Her mother had previously expressed pride in Gidley, stating she hoped her daughter would encourage confidence in other women.