Thug threatened takeaway staff with knife after being refused chips and gravy
A drunk who brandished a knife after being refused chips and gravy at a takeaway is facing jail.
Jacob Bateman was turned away from Butlers Balti in Darlaston because it was closing time, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.
Minutes after the rebuff, he returned armed with a knife, revealed Miss Lisa Hancox, prosecuting.
The 25-year-old warned the staff not to mess with him or he would stab them, continued the lawyer.
When the defendant briefly left again, a member of staff blocked the door as police were alerted around 11pm on June 1.
Miss Hancox said: “He asked for the chips and gravy while the restaurant was closing and so his order was refused.
“He left the premises but returned 10 minutes later.
"He said he was not arguing and made mention of the fact he had a knife which he pulled from his waist band and started waving around while warning: ‘Mess with me and I will give you this’.”
Bateman also made racially offensive comments.
The defendant later told officers he had drunk beer and half a bottle of vodka.
Bateman, of Brunel Walk, Darlaston, admitted threatening behaviour while armed with a knife and racially aggravated abuse.
Mr Earl Pinnock, defending, said: “His offending stems from his association with alcohol, specifically spirits.
Judge Amjad Nawaz adjourned sentencing until November 10 for Bateman to undergo a mental health assessment.
