A chef released 20 cockroaches into a pub kitchen after a dispute with his former boss over unpaid holiday pay. Tom Williams, 25, threatened the stunt during the row with his boss then returned to dump out a jar of non-native cockroaches usually used to feed snakes and spiders.
Staff at the pub immediately phoned Environmental Health and pest control and closed the pub, reports LincolnshireLive.
The pub's owner, in a victim impact statement read in court, said: "The effect it has had on staff and families is large. It isn't just the finances of to the company, it was how the rest of the Royal William team, particularly the kitchen team, are upset with what happened.
"They were depressed that someone who they worked alongside would be so callous towards them." The statement said members of staff with children were particularly affected, as they had to stay late continuously cleaning the kitchen. "They could no longer put their children to bed at night."
The pub paid £22,000 to its insurance to cover the damage caused, the court heard. Williams admitted burglary with intent to cause criminal damage at the Royal William IV pub in Lincoln.
Jeremy Janes, for Williams, said: "There was a legitimate dispute. He made a poor decision to go about getting reconciliation to get, in his mind, some compensation to his perceived loss."
Mr Janes said Williams was angry because he needed the money to provide for his son.
Her Honour Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight said: "You are very immature despite your age. Your son and society in general could benefit from you growing up."
Williams, of John Street, Lincoln, was given a 17- month prison sentence suspended for two years.
