Man pays €500 to court for squirting tomato ketchup and mustard at fish and chip shop staff

Gardaí were called to a fish and chip in Sneem, Co Kerry, Ireland, after a customer squirted sauce to such an extent it put staff in fear, Kenmare District Court was told. Mindaugas Knyz, 37, who works as a chef, went to the Hungry Knight fast food restaurant, North Square, Sneem, at about 2am on September 20th, 2014, Supt Flor Murphy told the court.

“He was causing problems. He was throwing chips and red sauce around,” Supt Murphy said. The episode went on for 15 minutes, the court was told. Knyza, of Sneem, pleaded guilty to engaging in offensive conduct by squirting tomato ketchup and mustard sauce over the counter in a fast food outlet, putting employees in fear, contrary to the Public Order Act, 2008.
“I ordered chips, I don’t know what happened,” Knyza, who works as a chef at the Sneem Hotel, told the court . He appeared to be “blasé” about the charge, Judge James O’Connor noted. Judge O’Connor warned Knyza he should consider making a contribution to the court poor box to avoid a conviction.
“Nobody wants to hire a chef with a conviction - especially for squirting tomato and mustard sauce all over the place,” the judge warned. The judge adjourned the matter briefly and Knyza decided to consult with solicitor Padraig O’Connell. He then offered €500 (£370, $560) to the court poor box and this was accepted. The judge gave him until next October to pay.