Man caught doing a runner from restaurant

A boozed-up customer was caught as he tried to“do a runner”from a Perth city centre restaurant without paying the three-figure bill.

But when 19-year-old Kyle Clark was taken back to the three Brothers establishment in george street, he grabbed two steak knives from a table and lunged at an employee, brandishing a blade in each hand.

Cristian Cojocarv had to“retreat to protect himself”and the police were called, Perth sheriff Court was told yesterday. Clark, of Wellbrae Cottage, gas Brae, Errol, will be sentenced on August 29 after background reports.

He admitted the assault which took place in the restaurant on April 25 this year and also having the two knives in his possession.

Depute fiscal Lisa Marshall said the accused and two friends, who were under the influence, had gone to the eating place.

they had a meal and drinks and the two friends left before the accused.

When the accused ordered another drink, however, this aroused Mr Cojocarv’s suspicions.

the court heard:“the accused then got up and tried to run out the back door but was pursued by the complainer and brought back in.”

Clark then armed himself with the steak knives and lunged at the complainer who was said to be“upset” by the whole incident.

Clark’s two friends subsequently returned to the restaurant the next day, apologised for what had happened and paid for the meals.

As a result, the accused had his not guilty plea accepted to a third charge of obtaining food and drink to the value of £107 without paying or intending to pay for it.

solicitor Paul ralph will give his plea in mitigation later this month.

Bail conditions banning Clark from entering the three Brothers or approaching or contacting the assault victim will remain in force meantime.