A CUSTOMER who said he had been short-changed at a takeaway came back with a golf club to threaten staff.

Witnesses cowered behind the counter as Andrew John Jackson, 24, went on the rampage at Rehmans Hot and Spicy, in Bury Road, Rawtenstall on April 9, Burnley magistrates heard.

He then went outside and started smashing up the owner’s car.

Prosecutor Alex Mann said there had been a disagreement between Jackson and takeaway staff over change.

But he returned to the premises shortly afterwards armed with a golf club and made threats to the people running the takeaway.

One of the victims, Shazad Rehman, said Jackson was threatening to hit the staff and shouting: “Give me the money.”

Miss Mann told the court: “This was a terrifying incident for people who were just trying to serve members of the public.”

Once outside Jackson, still armed with the club, started smashing the windows of Mr Rehman’s car, causing £150 damage to the car and resulting in a further £500 bill to fix the car’s electrics.

The court heard Jackson had been sentenced to five years in youth custody for a serious assault in 2005.

Jackson, of Shawfield, Hall Carr, Rawtenstall, admitted using threatening behaviour and criminal damage. He was given a two-year supervision order and must complete 150 hours unpaid work. He must also pay the Mr Rehman £250.

Jeremy Frame, defending, said that his client had been out of trouble for two years since his release from custody.

“He had been drinking and was aggrieved at what he perceived as being short-changed by the takeaway,” said Mr Frame.

“He remonstrated with them but then common sense left him and this incident occurred. He would like to apologise to all concerned.”