A victim of drink spiking has spoken up about her ‘terrifying’ experience after being spiked and falling down the stairs at a Leeds venue.

Sarah Horsley, 36, a behaviour support worker, went out for a meal with friends before continuing her night at a well-known bar in Leeds. 

Describing her experience, Sarah said: “I felt different than I had ever felt before. I lost the feeling in my legs and fell down two flights of stairs.”

“I went from thinking ‘I do not feel well’ to being incapable of most things in the span of half an hour. I showed random, erratic behaviour that was almost psychotic.”

“My friends had seen me drunk before and this was nothing like it. We had only gone for a meal and then moved on to the bar and it was relatively early, around 9pm.”

Fortunately, the 36-year-old mum was with a trusted friend who made sure she was safe.

“You kind of think ‘not me’. We were just having a catch-up, it’s not like we were a group of kids. It took us by surprise. I guess what I took away from it is there is not a specific group or character – it can happen to anybody.”

It was about 9pm when the incident happened and, despite the venue being busy, Sarah said not many people helped her. 

The mum-of-four said: “The bouncers were actually horrendous. We asked if we could have water but they said I was ridiculously drunk and had to be moved from the bar. They were pretty useless. I did not feel remotely safe.”

“I feel eternally grateful that I was with a very good friend and I was able to get out of that environment. I can’t even begin to imagine what the intention was if there was any.”

The incident has had an effect on Sarah’s choice of a night out, a year since it happened.

She continued: “I haven’t been out with my friends since and I can’t envision I will. Not in that kind of dancing environment – I now always make sure I am seated at a table. It’s just not worth it.”