A man who spent £7,000 at his local Costa Coffee over seven years was banned from all 2,700 UK branches after his ex-partner falsely told staff he was a sex offender. David Rimmer, 60, was subjected to a campaign of harassment by Kimberley Goodings, 56, who trailed him around Liverpool Shopping Park shouting insults and making unproven allegations.
The Incident
Goodings deceitfully told staff at the Costa branch inside Next on Edge Lane that Mr Rimmer was a convicted sex offender. Distraught, Mr Rimmer contacted the police, but Costa's reaction resulted in him being banned from the premises and all UK branches.
Goodings was sentenced to 28 months in prison in April for stalking, making threats with a bladed article, and assault by beating. The judge described the harassment as "highly distressing" and noted it led to the coffee shop ban.
Attempt to Overturn Ban
After Goodings' sentencing, Mr Rimmer provided Costa with evidence of her conviction. An email from Costa's customer services team manager, seen by the Liverpool Echo, stated that "given the new evidence," the chain would be "happy to welcome you back" to UK branches. However, the email requested Mr Rimmer continue to "refrain from visiting" his local branch, citing a "perceived threat to [the staff's] welfare and safety" due to Goodings' outburst.
Mr Rimmer's Response
Mr Rimmer, who lives near the retail park, said he spent over £7,000 at the coffee shop since moving from Denmark seven years ago, visiting five or six days a week for a latte. He feels treated as a criminal despite the court verdict. "I do not understand Costa's stance. I do not want to go to another Costa, this one is 300m from my home," he said. "I feel like the door has been slammed in my face."
Background of Harassment
The pair had been in a relationship for about 12 months when things deteriorated last summer. On August 31, Goodings became aggressive, accused Mr Rimmer of having an affair, and threatened to slit his throat while holding a kitchen knife 1cm from his face. She struck him to the head and body before being arrested and bailed with conditions not to contact him. However, she bombarded him with emails and made false accusations on Instagram.
Mr Rimmer told the court he was "traumatised" and claimed Goodings made his life "a living hell." He continues to suffer physically and mentally, losing four stone in weight. "It has been a very rough year where not much has gone to plan," he said.
Legal Context
Under UK law, defendants typically serve half their sentence before release on licence. However, due to prison system strains, an early release scheme means most inmates serve only 40% of their sentence, implying Goodings could be released by next year.
Mr Rimmer, who has borderline personality disorder, manages with medication but finds the ongoing ordeal taxing. "Costa has stopped talking to me. Their response was absolutely appalling," he said. "This ordeal has just been too much."
