A WORCESTER woman assaulted a Primark staff member after 'flirting' with her colleague. 

Abigale Prosser admitted assault by beating and criminal damage to property when she appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (September 22).

Sumreen Afsar, prosecuting, told magistrates the 32-year-old had gone into the clothes shop in Worcester city centre on the morning of May 13 this year and began talking to a male shop assistant. 

Worcester News: COURT: Abigale Prosser appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court. Picture: West Mercia PoliceCOURT: Abigale Prosser appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court. Picture: West Mercia Police (Image: West Mercia Police)

"She was asking uncomfortable questions, 'are you gay', 'are you straight'," Mrs Afsar said.

"Another staff member 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."

Mrs Afsar said the victim's injuries had included scratches and marks on her face and arms. 

The prosecutor said in the attack Prosser had also ripped the top of the victim - which had led to the criminal damage charge.

Ian Parsons, defending, said Prosser had gone into the store to buy shoes but she didn't like the selection and wanted to raise that with Primark.

Worcester News: STORE: Abigale Prosser committed the assault in the Primark store in Worcester. Picture: NewsquestSTORE: Abigale Prosser committed the assault in the Primark store in Worcester. Picture: Newsquest (Image: PA)

Prosser went to the customer desk to get an email address for Primark, but while there had started talking to a shop assistant she found attractive.

He said Prosser had not been homophobic, rather asking questions because she liked him, and became angry as she felt the victim had interrupted a private conversation.

"She can't really explain it but she got very angry, very quickly and assaulted the woman," Mr Parsons said.

Mr Parsons added his client suffered from anxiety, PTSD and was borderline autistic.

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Magistrates heard Prosser, who is currently a student, had one previous conviction for criminal damage in 2018.

Trevor Burgess, chairman of the magistrates bench, adjourned the case for the probation service to produce a pre-sentence report.

The chairman told Prosser, of Randwick Drive, Worcester, she would need to attend Worcester Magistrates Court for her sentencing on November 7.

Mr Burgees said she should co-operate with the probation service to produce the report, adding "they are there to help you".