A FAST food employee ripped off a door handle and used it to damage a drive-thru sign following an argument with his manager who was "clocking him off" during his shift.

Harry Potts, of Beech Grange, was employed as a team leader at Taco Bell, in Solstice Park, for several months before he criminally damaged the property. 

The 20-year-old got into an argument with 'Mr Churcher', his shift manager, after Potts discovered that he had been clocking him off while he washed up and went on smoke breaks.

Following this, Potts went outside and Mr Churcher locked the door so he could not get back into the building.

This is when Potts lost his temper, ripped off the front door handle and used it to hit a sign at the drive-thru.

Salisbury Journal: Salisbury Law Courts.Salisbury Law Courts. (Image: Newsquest)

Potts pleaded guilty to the offence of criminal damage at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Friday, August 18.

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Bob Scott, defending, told the court how Taco Bell agreed the "clocking off" should not have happened and had since reimbursed Potts £800.

The District Judge said to Potts: "I understand your frustration but this was a mindless act on your part."

He ordered Potts to pay compensation of £876 to Taco Bell and £85 court costs which must be paid within 12 months.