The owner of a bistro smelled a rat when a customer pulled a rodent from his pocket and shouted out in alarm in an attempt to get a free meal.
Restaurateur Kevin Smith, 48, called fraudster Christopher Baker a “scumbag” for trying the trick, saying it could have ruined the business he has built up over seven years.
Baker, 28, from Houghton, Tyne and Wear, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at Sunderland magistrates court last week, officials confirmed.
He was handed a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement, ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £7.25 compensation – the cost of his meal – to the restaurant.
