Owner of Jesmond pizzeria Cal's Own assaulted in own restaurant by angry dad in row over son's wages

The owner of a popular Newcastle pizzeria was assaulted in his own restaurant by an angry dad who turned up demanding his son's wages.

Calvin Kitchin, of Cal's Own in Jesmond, was left with an injury to his forehead following an altercation with Stephen Grieves and his teenage son in a row over unpaid wages.

North Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard Grieves' son "had done a number of shifts at the restaurant and was still awaiting payment".

The two men turned up at the award-winning eatery on August 11 "to try and resolve matters".

Cal's Own pizza restaurant in Jesmond (Newcastle Chronicle)

Prosecutor Lorna Rimell said Mr Kitchin described Grieves as "threatening and intimidating" when he arrived "demanding his son's wages".

She told the court: "Mr Kitchin tried to calm the situation but the defendant would not be calmed down and his manner was aggressive towards him.

"He tried to explain that he would be sorting out all the staff's wages that night and his son's would be amongst them.

"The employer left the kitchen in an attempt to get away from the situation, fearing it might escalate.

"He said he was trying to get out because he was fearful that damage might be caused to the restaurant."

Grieves then reportedly told the restaurant owner, "You don't know who I am, I'll send the crew down. I'll smash your face in."

The court heard Mr Kitchin tried to block the door to prevent the two males coming back in, but Grieves struck him to the face, "causing him to fear for his safety".

In a statement, the victim said: "The threats and assault have shocked me and left me worried for my restaurant."

Mark Richardson, defending, said Grieves was "very protective of his son".

He told magistrates: "He strongly believed the wages were owed immediately.

"He's prepared to accept the way he went about it was undiplomatic.

"It became somewhat heated and he had gone to push the complainant.

"In doing so the palm of his hand crossed the complainant's face."

Grieves, 47, of Wellington Road, Dunston, pleaded guilty to assault.

Magistrates fined him £90 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.