Find local news in Kent

Home   Gravesend   News   Article

Gravesham Labour candidate Kathryn Smith arrested

10:19, 29 April 2010

updated: 10:19, 29 April 2010

Gravesham Labour candidate Kathryn Smith
Gravesham Labour candidate Kathryn Smith

A Labour general election candidate has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after crashing her car into a roundabout.

Kathryn Smith, who is standing in Gravesham, was cut from her Renault Laguna by firefighters in Dartford.

The 49-year-old had hit a roundabout in Bob Dunn Way at about 10pm on Monday.

Her car was the only vehicle involved in the collision and she was breathalysed at the scene.

Ms Smithwas arrested and bailed until July while police inquiries continue.

She was taken to Darent Valley Hospital with suspected spinal injuries, but is said to have released herself in the early hours of Tuesday.

Ms Smith would not comment, adding that she is "saving my strength for urgent campaign activities".

But a Gravesham Labour party source said: "Kathryn's been left pretty shaken by all this, but she's determined not to let this affect her campaign. She was out campaigning again the next day."

A Kent Police spokeswoman said: "A 49-year-old woman from Welling has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving following a road traffic accident on April 26.

"One vehicle was involved in the collision in Bob Dunn Way, Dartford, at about 10pm.

"The car appears to have collided with a roundabout.

"The woman was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be serious.

"The woman has been bailed until July 10 pending further inquiries."

Ms Smith, a former director of the Co-operative Bank, is aiming to steal Conservative Adam Holloway's seat.

A Labour party spokeswoman said: "Though no charges have been brought, these allegations are of a serious nature and are currently subject to investigation by Kent Police. As such, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More