A CHISWICK man who ran up an £80 bill at a Hounslow Chinese restaurant, failed to pay his bill because his credit cards were overspent and then attacked the waiters when they objected.

At Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, James Rogers, 25, of Staveley Gardens, admitted two charges of common assault on Zhen Zhou and Stephen Lau on August 25 last year and was given a community punishment order for two years on condition he attends the 'think first' programme. He must also pay his victims £300 each in compensation.

Judge Patricia Dangor told him "What an appalling way to behave when you have had a nice meal provided and served by this restaurant - a pleasant evening with good service and you end up by assaulting them. It is clear that you behaved badly. You need to grow up and start thinking in a responsible manner".

Prosecutor Simon Wilshire said Rogers and his girl-friend spent the evening at the Sung Chinese Restaurant in Hounslow "and consumed a large amount of alcohol.

"When the time came to leave, the defendant went to pay with two credit cards which were refused. There was an argument about the manner of payment.

"He left the restaurant followed by the waiters and became aggressive outside.

"He punched Mr Zhou in the face causing him to fall to the ground. Continuing to shout and swear he tried to get into a passing car in Sutton Lane. Another customer prevented him leaving.

"He then attacked Mr Zhou again, punching him two or three times in the face until he fell to the ground and then kicking him in the head as he lay on the ground. Mr Lau intervened and he was kicked several times in the leg and then punched in the head," said counsel.

Police happened on the scene and Rogers, who had no shirt on and was behaving aggressively, was arrested. He had six previous convictions for offences including three assaults, said counsel.

His counsel, Heather Hope, said he had been living on incapacity benefit but was hoping to start training as a plasterer.

He was sorry for what happened but "Things just got out of hand when both his credit cards were not accepted," she said.