A MEAT cleaver and a broom were produced by kebab house staff during a row with a drunken customer, it was claimed today. But it was the customer who appeared in court – 20-year-old Kyle Harris admitted racially aggravated threatening behaviour and anothe

A MEAT cleaver and a broom were produced by kebab house staff during a row with a drunken customer, it was claimed today.

But it was the customer who appeared in court - 20-year-old Kyle Harris admitted racially aggravated threatening behaviour and another offence of using threatening behaviour.

Police were called to the Istanbul Kebab house in Blackfriars Road, Wisbech, in the early hours of February 13, to deal with Harris' disorderly conduct.

"The defendant was in a state of excitement and very drunk," prosecutor Andrea Fawcett told Fenland magistrates.

Twice Harris shouted abuse, and he was warned and encouraged to go home. He left, but shortly afterwards he was seen punching the air and shouting racial abuse, causing shock to members of the public nearby.

After his arrest, Harris admitted being argumentative; and claimed staff had produced a knife sharpener.

But during today's court case, solicitor Kay Younis claimed a meat cleaver was held at Harris' throat, and a broom was brandished.

"The offences were fuelled by alcohol, but there was a strong element of provocation," she added.

"He accepts he was drunk, and cannot remember how the incident escalated out of control. There was an incident between him and the owner of the takeaway. He accepts he made the remarks, and was silly for doing so. It was his way of relieving his frustration."

Harris, of Wedgwood Drive, Wisbech, was fined �65 with �85 costs and a �15 surcharge.

"You must learn to control your temper," Harris was told by presiding magistrates Susan Morris.