A CUSTOMER chased a waiter around an Aberporth restaurant in an incident resembling a Benny Hill sketch, a court has heard.

Christopher Thomas Williams, aged 22, who gave his address as Heol Wylan, Cardigan, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour with the intention of causing fear that violence would be used.

He appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates for sentencing on Wednesday.

The court heard that Williams and a friend were the only customers at the Maharani Indian restaurant at around 7.30pm on April 29, when he reached over to open the till while waiting to give their order.

A staff member spotted him and told him to put the money back, then told his boss about the incident after taking Williams’ order.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, told the bench that Williams swore at the restaurant manager when questioned about his behaviour, told him he no longer wanted his food and asked for his money back.

He became angry when told he would no longer be welcome in the restaurant if he was given a refund in this manner.

Miss Morgan said: “He came into the restaurant, picked up a metal fork from a table and stood in front of the owner and waiter. His girlfriend took the fork from his hand.”

Williams then ran around the restaurant, chasing the waiter.

Alan Lewis, defending, said the incident was ‘rather peculiar’, especially as his client lived above the restaurant and had been a regular customer who got on well with the staff.

Mr Lewis said: “It was a scene almost like a Benny Hilly sketch, where he is running around chasing the waiter.”

He added that Williams, a scaffolder, was ‘mortified’ by his actions, and his behaviour could be linked to bereavement and alcohol issues.

“He is absolutely horrified about the allegation, he is deeply, deeply embarrassed.”

A victim statement read to the court from Mohammed Hossan said he had been scared by the incident, and had closed early that night as a result.

He added: “I could not sleep, because I was afraid he would come back and hurt me.”

In a pre-sentence report from the probation service, Williams stated he had consumed eight bottles of strong larger, which had effected his judgement.

He added that taking the money was a prank, not an act of theft, and he had no intention of hurting anyone, he just wanted to scare them after being accused of taking the cash.

The court heard Williams had now been given notice to leave the upstairs flat.

Magistrates imposed a 12 month community order with 70 hours unpaid work and a 15 day rehabilitation requirement to address alcohol, bereavement and impulsive behaviour issues.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs, a £60 victim surcharge and a £150 court charge.