Drunk Teenagers Face Nationwide Pub Ban After Hotel Destruction Spree
Two intoxicated teenagers have been prohibited from entering every pub, bar, nightclub, and hotel across the United Kingdom for six months, following a violent incident at a Bournemouth hotel that resulted in significant damage and emotional distress to staff.
Trail of Destruction at Trouville Hotel
Kera McKeown and Larisa Sumovskaja, both 19 years old, unleashed chaos at the Trouville Hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset, in April of last year, despite not being registered guests. The pair were captured on surveillance footage engaging in aggressive behavior, with McKeown brandishing a vodka bottle in one hand and her high heels in the other, which she used to strike the door of a back office.
Receptionist Signe Ivane attempted to intervene by asking them to leave but was forced to lock herself inside the office for safety. The situation escalated when McKeown threatened Ms. Ivane with the vodka bottle, shouting, ‘I will punch you up.’ Additionally, McKeown spat at the receptionist and hurled various items, including two vases of flowers, a computer screen, and a phone that struck a male receptionist on the head.
Escalating Violence and Legal Consequences
Sumovskaja further exacerbated the situation by picking up a fire extinguisher, later admitting she ‘thought it would be funny to spray someone with it.’ Although she did not deploy it, McKeown subsequently threw the extinguisher at hotel staff. District Judge Orla Austin condemned their actions as ‘disgraceful’ during the court proceedings, noting that they narrowly avoided immediate imprisonment.
Judge Austin imposed a six-month ban from all licensed premises and hotels in the country, unless required for work, stating, ‘I recognise your social life is going to be significantly curtailed but that’s the punishment so don’t take any chances.’ This incident occurred just five weeks after Sumovskaja and a friend, Jasmine Orchard, assaulted three nightclub staff members, and two months prior, the same pair attacked a taxi driver and fled without payment.
Financial and Emotional Toll on Hotel
The hotel suffered substantial reputational harm and financial losses estimated at approximately £4,000, covering cleanup, damage control, and refunds issued to guests who witnessed the event. A negative review posted after the incident led to lost future bookings, and the two receptionists involved took several days off work due to emotional distress, impacting overall staff morale and workplace safety concerns.
McKeown and Sumovskaja pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage and affray. Judge Austin issued a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, warning, ‘You are both in quite a serious situation now – no more trouble whatsoever because if there is you leave me with no other option but to send you to prison.’ Both were ordered to pay £350 each in compensation to the receptionists and the hotel, with Sumovskaja additionally required to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days and 12 mental health sessions.
Defense Arguments and Personal Circumstances
In defense, James Diamond, representing McKeown, highlighted her mental health conditions and neurodiversity, attributing her behavior to alcohol influence and youthful foolishness. He noted her deep regret and the trauma of spending a night in police custody at age 18. Mark Hensleigh, representing Sumovskaja, emphasized her youth, mental health issues, and vulnerability, asserting that the hotel incident marked the end of her offending cycle and that she has since secured employment opportunities.
This case underscores the severe repercussions of alcohol-fueled violence, with legal measures aimed at rehabilitation and deterrence to prevent future incidents.
