Man caused rammy in Chinese takeaway

An Airdrie man who lost his temper in a Chinese takeaway has narrowly avoided jail.

Stephen Cannon, 25, refused to pay for his order before being given his food at Aitken Street’s China Gold on June 18.

The Whitehall Avenue resident, who was only released from prison last November, then began to throw food – as well as his fists – which resulted in the stunned member of staff receiving a nasty scratch to his face.

Last week at Airdrie Sheriff Court, the procurator fiscal said: “It was 10.30pm and the witness was working as a counter assistant.

“The accused failed to provide money for his order until it was handed over to him. He was advised policy was to pay in advance for the food but he continued to refuse.

“The witness tried to get the accused out of the premises but he began to throw food and it struck the witness in the chest area.

“He was eventually successful in getting him out but by this time the accused had started throwing fists and scratched the accused on his cheek.

“Police were called and when they arrived they saw the 1.5 inch mark on the witness’ face.

“The accused was traced and said, ‘ I didn’t do that and camera evidence will prove it’.”

Cannon’s d e f e n c e solicitor, Nicky Matteo, said: “I’ve known my client for many years and he has temper problems.

“He’s from a background with a violent father which has caused him to suffer from anxiety.

“Coupled with alcohol and valium problems, that doesn’t help.

“Since being released from custody in November he has curtailed his drinking and actually gained weight, which is a positive for him.

“I see him in the street regularly being a good family man, pushing buggies and being a help. When he’s sober he’s not a problem.”

He continued: “The argument about the money being paid was due to the witness believing the accused was banned from the premises. It is, in fact, his brother who is banned from the shop.

“He tried to tell him he had the wrong person.”

Sheriff Scott Pattison said: “Having looked at this a little earlier today, I thought I would have been sending you to jail today.

“I’ll instead impose a community payback order to see if you’re really willing to change.

“If you do not take this opportunity, I’ll just send you right back to jail.

“You’ll carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and pay a fee of £400 in compensation to your victim. You’ll also be under supervision for 18 months.

“This is all as an alternative to custody, so now it’s over to you.”