A man who swore at McDonald’s staff and jumped over the counter after demanding chips has been fined £400.

Nathan Alexander Orme admitted being drunk and disorderly while a second charge of common assault on a female was dismissed after the complainant did not wish to proceed with the matter.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court how police received a 999 call from McDonald’s staff on September 23 at 9.12pm.

They reported that Orme, who is 27, had been verbally abusive and swore as he demanded his chips and leapt over the counter.

He left the restaurant, heading towards the river and police later found him hiding under a bridge.

He was said to be unsteady on his feet and was subsequently arrested.

Orme, of Anagh Coar Road, Douglas, was then abusive to the police and swore at them.

He then turned his anger on two young boys who were sitting on a wall making abusive remarks to them.

When interviewed later Orme said: ’I’d just like to say I’m very sorry.’

Defence advocate Matthew Wilshaw asked for credit to be given for his client’s guilty plea and co-operation in interview.

’He has asked me to reiterate he is sorry for his actions,’ said the advocate.

Mr Wilshaw said that Orme had suffered family bereavements and had turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

The advocate said: ’On the night in question, he ordered a burger and expected to get chips.

’He didn’t get chips and in an emotional state he over-reacted. He was embarrassed being escorted to the police van and felt the two young men were gawping at him.

’We would ask the court to treat this as a blip and perhaps a by-product of a difficult time he was going through.’

Mr Wilshaw went on to say that Orme was a trained bricklayer looking for work but some jobs he had been offered would lead to him being financially worse off than he was on benefits so he was waiting for the right job.

Magistrates also ordered Orme to pay £125 prosecution costs which he will pay, along with the fine, at a rate of £10 per week, deducted from benefits.