The actress-turned-Real Housewives of Beverly Hills regular was cautioned at the Beverly Hills Hotel restaurant after staff complained she was intoxicated and "was disturbing some of the other patrons", according to police spokesman Lt. Lincoln Hoshino.

Richards, 50, was asked by hotel security to leave, but initially refused. She finally acquiesced, but on her way out, hid in a bathroom and refused to come out.

Hoshino adds, "Hotel security requested to make a Private Persons Arrest and BHPD (Beverly Hills Police Department) officers entered the restroom and took her into custody. She was passively resisting and she was taken into custody on Private Person Arrest."

Richards reportedly continued to be belligerent and allegedly kicked a police officer while resisting arrest.

Richards has been charged with public intoxication, trespassing, resisting arrest, and battery on a police officer.

She was later released and is due in court on 10 May (15).

Richards has openly struggled with her drug and alcohol abuse in the past, talking about her problems on her hit reality TV show.