Woman ordered to pay compensation to Primark worker she assaulted

Abigale Prosser appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court to be sentenced for assault by beating and criminal damage to property on Thursday, (November 10).

As previously reported the 32-year-old went into Primark in Worcester city centre on May 13 this year and began talking to a male shop assistant. 

COURT: Abigale Prosser appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: West Mercia Police)

Sumreen Afsar, prosecuting, had said: "She was asking uncomfortable questions, 'are you gay,' 'are you straight.'

"Another staff member (Katie Hughes) told her to leave him alone."

The prosecutor said Prosser suddenly began attacking Miss Hughes.

"She started attacking her, pulling her hair and grabbed her face," Mrs Afsar said. 

"A number of injuries were suffered.

"The only reason she stopped was because a security guard intervened."

In the sentencing hearing Mark Hambling, prosecuting, went through the details again saying the injured party had a blouse ripped which had exposed her chest. 

STORE: Abigale Prosser committed the assault in the Primark store in Worcester (Image: PA)

He said the injuries suffered by the victim were "a little more than superficial, but not extreme."

Mr Hambling added Prosser had one previous conviction, a matter of criminal damage in 2018.

Ian Parsons, defending, said a report carried out by the probation service covered the mental health issues she had including suffering from anxiety and autism.

READ MORE: Woman pulled hair and ripped top in attack on Primark worker

READ MORE: Drunk man racially abused taxi driver and refused to pay fare

He explained in the incident Prosser had wanted to make friends with the shop assistant she found attractive, and reacted when she felt the victim had interrupted their private conversation.

Richard Poppleton, chairman of the magistrates, said the report had "identified issues you are dealing with."

"Clearly this is a case that is unfortunate," the chairman said.

Magistrates tell Abigale Prosser she is banned from Primark for the next year

Magistrates gave Prosser a one-year community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days she is required to complete. 

Prosser, of Randwick Drive, Worcester, was ordered to pay £30 compensation for the damage to the victim's clothing, and £50 compensation for the assault.

She was also told to pay costs of £135 and £95 victim surcharge. 

The chairman added: "You are excluded from Primark for the period of your community order."

For the latest court and crime stories why not sign up to Sam Greenway's weekly newsletter? It's easy, just sign up for our email newsletters here and all the important stories that matter to you will be delivered straight to your inbox.