Woof justice: barrister sues Harvey Nicks over 'assault' after 'tiny' dog-in-handbag incident

Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge

A barrister is suing Harvey Nichols for up to £1m after claiming security staff assaulted and imprisoned her when she attempted to take a “tiny” dog into its flagship London store.

Marianne Yvette Perkins, 42, says she was held in a “vice-like grip” by up to six members of staff and her Maltese puppy Lilly was “intentionally elbowed” in the dispute.

Miss Perkins has lodged a High Court writ against Harvey Nichols Group Ltd – which has just launched an ad campaign featuring models carrying dogs. She is claiming damages for alleged false imprisonment and personal injury as well as medical treatment for her dog.

In the writ, her barrister states that Miss Perkins had an altercation with a female security guard and was then pursued by members of staff to a Tube station, where she was manhandled.

A spokeswoman for Harvey Nicholls said: “As this matter is subject to ongoing court proceedings, we are unable to comment.”