Teen brandished knives at restaurant

A boozed-up customer who brandished two steak knives after trying to “do a runner” from a Perth city centre restaurant narrowly avoided a jail term this week.

Sheriff William Wood described the incident as “madness” and branded his behaviour unacceptable.

He told 19-year-old Kyle Clark, who has a previous conviction for an assault with a metal pole, that he had given “some thought” to jailing him.

But he took into account the accused’s age, he had the prospect of a job and he also had a supportive family.

As a direct alternative to time behind bars, the accused, of Wellbrae Cottage, Gas Brae, Errol, will have to complete 135 hours of unpaid work in the next six months.

Clark will also be supervised by a social worker for a year.

He admitted assaulting employee Cristian Cojocarv by lunging at him in the Three Brothers, George Street, on April 25 this year and brandishing the blades at him.

He also pled guilty to having the knives in his possession.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that Clark left the restaurant without paying a three-figure bill.

But when he was taken back to the premises, he grabbed two steak knives from a table and lunged at the employee, armed with a blade in each hand.

Mr Cojocarv had to “retreat to protect himself ” and the police were called.

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

Clark then grabbed 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.

Solicitor Paul Ralph submitted an e-mail from the accused’s mother which indicated the accused had a job lined up.

He asked that a Community Payback order be imposed.