Row over spending a penny in McDonalds costs man £415

Andrew James Humphreys of Cholsey Road, hurled the till to the floor, Newbury magistrates heard last Thursday.
Helen Waite, prosecuting, said the 20-year-old was angry because staff had refused to let his girlfriend use the restaurant toilet. She added: “Three women came into the restaurant in Northbrook Street, Newbury, to use the toilets but were refused entry.
“One of them threatened to relieve herself on the floor.
“They were asked to leave. Two did but a third stayed in the restaurant and, at this point, Mr Humphreys came in.
“He became abusive towards staff and was asked to leave. He refused to do so.”
Ms Waite went on: “One staff member, a Mr Swan, went to use his Shop Safe radio to summon some security. He then heard a loud crash.”
CCTV footage showed Mr Humphreys had deliberately thrown the till to the floor, causing about £1,000 of damage, the court heard.
He admitted causing criminal damage on June 5 this year.
Robert Jakes, defending, said: “He regretted it as soon as he had done it.
“He had consumed too much alcohol and was annoyed at his girlfriend not being allowed to use the toilet.
“He’s had a very unpleasant night in the cells due to his own stupidity.”
Magistrates imposed a six-month conditional discharge because of Mr Humphreys lack of previous convictions and remorse. However, he was ordered to pay £400 in compensation with a £15 victim surcharge.