Caroline Starmer, 28, who claimed a security guard removed her baby from her breast as she fed, is charged with perverting course of justice

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

A woman who told national media a Primark security guard had removed her baby from her breast as she fed has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

Caroline Starmer, 28, who has four children, claimed on Facebook and later in the press that the incident happened in the Primark store in Leicester as she attempted to feed her nine-month-old daughter, Paige.

Her account of events was denied by the retailer and CCTV footage was given to police, who were investigating an allegation of assault.

“Primark has cooperated fully with police investigators, and will not be commenting further on the ongoing proceedings against Mrs Starmer,” a Primark spokesman said.

“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.”

Starmer is due to appear at Leicester magistrates court on 24 August, charged with perverting the course of public justice.

Police have warned users of social media, where the original story was shared tens of thousands of times, that legal proceedings are now active.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” Leicestershire police said.