A COUPLE got more than they bargained for at an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet when they attacked restaurant staff and were tackled by waiters like “extras from a Bruce Lee film”.
Waiters served up high kicks to detain Ann Simpson and Jonathon Johnson after the pair caused chaos.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how staff and the public gathered around as the scenes unfolded outside, ending when police arrived and arrested the pair.
Simpson, 26, and Johnson, 30, had appeared drunk when they turned up at the No1 Buffet in Stowell Street, Newcastle, and were refused a table by concerned staff, who told them that all of the tables were reserved.
The couple left the premises, but on seeing empty tables through the window, decided to go back in, and made their way to the back of the restaurant.
They were asked to leave by a waitress. Simpson responded by poking her and punching her, before Johnson grabbed a baby’s highchair and flung it at her.
The scuffle, which happened on September 14, moved outside, where Simpson grabbed hold of the waitress again, and was pulled away by male members of staff.
Johnson punched a male member of staff in the face, leaving him with swelling to the right side of his jaw. More staff emerged, and detained the couple with high-kicks, although none connected.
Katherine Dunn, defending Simpson, said that she is currently overcoming a heroin addiction and has been making progress while in custody.
John Wilkinson, defending Johnson, said “He admits he threw a punch. But the members of staff were less than helpful.
“They were like extras from a Bruce Lee film.”
Simpson admitted affray and common assault and Johnson pleaded guilty to common assault.
Mr Recorder Woolfall, sentenced Simpson, of Spencer Walk, South Shields, to 12 months in prison, including three months for theft in a separate incident.
Johnson, of Buxton Close, Jarrow, was sentenced to three months in prison, which he had already served on electronic tag.
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