A MAN took back his takeaway pizza which he claimed was under-cooked -- then smashed the place with a hammer.

Before his money could be refunded Daniel Benjamin Redmond ran off and returned minutes later brandishing a hammer.

Blackburn magistrates heard that he then smashed the front windows of Caesar's Pizza Takeaway in Longridge, causing more than £900 worth of damage.

Redmond, 23, of Kestor Lane, Longridge, pleaded guilty to criminal damage. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £55 costs.

Julie Reilly, prosecuting, said Redmond went into the takeaway just before midnight and ordered a pizza and some meat to eat while he was waiting.

He returned five minutes later and shouted that his pizza was not cooked properly. "The proprietor offered to give him his money back but he ran off," said Mrs Reilly.

"Shortly after he heard some banging and looked up to see Redmond smashing the windows with a hammer."

Kevin Preston, defending, said Redmond had paid for his supper and gone on his way.

"When he looked at the pizza it was clear that it was not properly cooked and he went back to complain" said Mr Preston. It was at this stage that the two stories went in different directions.

"My client says he was told the pizza was good, it was banged on the counter, fell on the floor and at that stage he was slapped about by various people in the shop," said Mr Preston.

"He was angry and upset after being beaten up and he foolishly decided he would seek revenge."