Ipswich: Shoplifter denies assaulting staff at Lidl

A shoplifter accused of assaulting an Ipswich store manager, deputy manager and a security guard has told a court that she thought she was going to suffocate after they tried to restrain her.

Giving evidence at Ipswich Crown Court Kathryn Barter claimed she had been face down on the floor at the Lidl store in London Road with one of the men holding her legs and the other two kneeling on her back.

“I told them several times I couldn’t breathe but there was no response apart from just to shut up,” said Barter.

She said she feared she was going to suffocate. She claimed that during the incident one of the men had told her to “shut up and die quietly”.

Barter, 28, of Kelly Road, Ipswich, has denied assaulting security guard Steven Lockley causing him actual bodily harm.

She also denies assaulting store manager Craig Hasnip and deputy manager Ben Cook by beating in March this year.

The court has heard that Barter was approached by Mr Hasnip and asked to accompany him to another part of the store after she was seen shoplifting.

Barter refused and allegedly lunged towards the exit, said Michael Crimp, prosecuting.

Mr Cook grabbed her and there was a struggle during which she went to the ground.

The trial continues.