A retail outlet manager on Cowley Road informed a jury that he relocated a young employee after she became the target of unwanted attention from an individual who had been prohibited from entering the premises.

Carl Suter, who resides in Luther Street, Oxford, is facing trial at Oxford Crown Court.

The 46-year-old has entered a not guilty plea to a single charge of stalking that caused significant alarm and distress.

The court previously heard that the alleged incident occurred at Boots on Cowley Road, Oxford, in July the previous year.

On Wednesday, May 20, the jury received testimony from the store’s manager Qasim Hayat. The court had earlier been told that the alleged victim believed the man pursuing her was named Simon White.

However, when presented with a photograph of the individual, she acknowledged that she had confused the name.

Mr Hayat stated that the name provided to him was Simon White, but upon viewing a picture, he immediately recognised it as someone else entirely.

He explained that the alleged victim was experiencing harassment, with the individual visiting the establishment repeatedly.

He mentioned that while he possessed the authority to exclude the person from the store, he recommended that she contact the police. She was subsequently reassigned to another branch.

Mr Hayat disclosed that he had previously encountered the man as a shoplifting offender at a different establishment where he had been employed. He utilised social media platforms to identify what Simon White actually looked like.

Mr Hayat informed the jury that the store was experiencing technical difficulties with its surveillance system at that period.

He further noted that shoplifting incidents were prevalent during that timeframe.

When questioned about whether every shoplifting occurrence was reported to authorities, he indicated that this was not the case due to the frequency of such incidents and the lengthy reporting procedure involved.

The jury was also presented with body camera footage documenting Suter’s apprehension in the vicinity of the store.

Prosecution counsel Sandra Beck had previously outlined the case for the jury.

She explained that the matter concerned a man tormenting a young retail employee. Despite being barred from the premises and regularly creating disturbances, he continued visiting Boots daily. She was 17 years old and it was her initial employment.

She noted that the young woman believed he harboured an obsession with her, which frightened her and prompted her to alter her daily patterns.

The court heard that on one specific occasion, Suter was inside the establishment and informed the employee that she looked attractive and expressed a desire to accompany her home.

Alarmed by this behaviour, the employee arranged for a taxi to depart alongside a coworker.

The court was informed that Suter was walking up and down outside the establishment.

Ms Beck stated that he called out to her. He went toward the vehicle and she was trembling with fear, worried that he might attempt to enter.

According to her account, he refused to leave her alone.

The trial remains ongoing.