Primark breastfeeding 'lies' mother Caroline Starmer to face trial in September

A mother of four who claimed her nursing baby was snatched from her breast at a Primark store in Leicester has appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court, charged with perverting the public course of justice. Starmer spoke only to confirm her name and address and has been granted conditional bail.

Starmer, 28, alleged that she was assaulted by a security guard as she fed her nine-month-old baby at the clothing retailer's Humberstone Gate store on 13 July. A series of Facebook posts by Starmer at the time elicited messages of support, but her version of events were denied by Primark, who passed on CCTV footage to police for examination.

"Primark has co-operated fully with police investigators, and will not be commenting further on the ongoing proceedings against Mrs Starmer," a Primark spokesman said following the incident.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity, however, to confirm that Primark will continue to work hard to ensure that all of our customers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in our stores. This of course includes breastfeeding mothers, who remain welcome, as ever, at Primark."

The case has been adjourned until 22 September, when Starmer will appear in Leicester Crown Court.