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Never a victimless crime - shaken . . . Kim Higgins
17 December 2007
Part-time shop assistant Kim Higgins, 47, was left feeling anxious and vulnerable and was off work for five weeks after being attacked by a female customer in her store.
"I'd say I was quite a tough person but the whole ordeal left me feeling shaken and edgy," said Kim. "I couldn't bear to leave the house for weeks because I thought she might be watching me.
"I was surprised how it all affected me. It was a while before I stopped looking over my shoulder."
The incident happened in July 2006. "I noticed a woman taking sips from bottles of wine and then putting them back on the shelf. She did this several times.
"I asked her to stop and she gave me a mouthful of abuse. I called security. I thought that was the end of the matter so I went back to work. But the woman returned shouting and swearing and then she slapped me across the face.
"The case went to court and the woman was charged with Actual Bodily Harm and ordered to pay me £50 in compensation.
"Usdaw also helped me to put a claim in with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and I was awarded £1,000. I was very grateful for the union's support."
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