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Chip shop owner's neck broken over a pie

A?thug broke a chip shop owner's neck after the victim refused to give him free food. Jonathan Whitter launched a terrifying attack after he was told he couldn't have free chicken and a pie.

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The owner, Manjit Singh, was knocked to the floor and stamped on by Whitter, who left his victim motionless before making a half-hearted attempt to open the cash till, Stafford Crown Court heard.

He then grabbed his pie, chicken and a few chips from the counter and fled. The whole incident was captured on CCTV. The court heard that after his arrest, Whitter told police he had carried out the attack because he was hungry.

Miss Sharon Bahia, prosecuting, told the court that the defendant initially left Mile Oak Fish Bar in Tamworth after being refused free food but returned moments later to launch the attack.

The court heard that the robbery happened on November 7 and that Mr Singh suffered neck fractures.

Whitter, aged 30, of Rose Hill Gardens, Willenhall, admitted robbery.

Mr Simon Hanns, defending, said his client took a pie, a piece of chicken and a few chips but no money.

"This was a very unpleasant incident but also a strange one," Mr Hanns told the court.

"The CCTV is harrowing. It has had an impact on him since first viewing it.

"I know he feels sick every time he watches it."

The attack itself lasted 30 seconds, the court heard.

Mr Hanns added: "There was no attempt to disguise himself.

"His plan was to go and ask for some free food, because he was hungry."

Whitter was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court.

Recorder Mr Collingwood Thompson QC told Whitter: "I am troubled because I don't have sufficient information to pass sentence on you.

"We haven't any up-to-date information from the victim of the offence and also no medical evidence."

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