The owners of a kebab shop in Weymouth barricaded themselves in their store with customers after a man attacked them.

Lee Cook, aged 43, appeared in Weymouth Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to several charges in two separate incidents, in June and March of this year when he was drunk on both occasions.

The most recent was at the Istanbul Kebab shop on King Street in Weymouth on June 15 where Cook - of Lanehouse Rocks Road - was charged with common assault, two counts of assault by beating, criminal damage by spitting in a police van, and threatening/abusive words and behaviour likely to cause another harm or distress.

The second incident was on Benville Road, Weymouth on March 24. He admitted to assault, assault of an emergency worker and criminal damage.

Christina Morgan, prosecuting, told the court that at about 10.40pm Cook went to the kebab shop to order food worth around £9. However, he was unable to pay, as his card was declined.

The kebab shop called his mother to try and sort out the situation, but Cook became abusive to the other customers.

Magistrates heard the proprietors asked him to leave, which was when Cook punched at them.

The ensuing scuffle moved outside, where the owners were able to lock the door, keeping him away from themselves and customers until police arrived. 

Cook kicked at the door before police arrived, but did not damage it. 

In the other incident in March, police received a report of an attack outside of a fish and chip shop on Benville Road.

A motorcyclist had been waiting at a red traffic light when Cook approached him, unprovoked, and struck him four times in the head.

Though the victim was wearing a helmet, the bike was knocked over, damaging it.

Upon being taken into police custody, Cook kicked a police officer in the back of the leg.

The court heard he has 34 previous convictions for 55 offences, including three years in prison in 2020 after he caused grievous bodily harm to another person.

Kenny Sharpe, mitigating, said that the assault of a police officer is not typical behaviour for Cook, even with his numerous arrests.

Mr Sharpe said: "He is someone who alcohol does not suit. He cannot handle it, he should not drink. When he drinks he becomes a different animal."

The chair of the magistrate's bench, Stephen Takel, gave Cook a 18-week prison sentence suspended for 12months. He must complete 25 rehabilitation requirement days and must not drink for 120 days, monitored by a tag.

Additionally, for the incident in March, he must pay £100 in compensation to the biker for the assault, pay £576.99 for damage to the bike and £50 to the police officer.

For the incident in June, he must pay £100 to each of the three victims of the assault, and £158 to police for spitting in the van.