Foul-mouthed Derry chef could have been trained by Gordon Ramsay - court told
The solicitor of a Derry chef who used 'industrial language' during an argument with a traffic warden today said he may have been 'trained by Gordon Ramsay'.
Paul Burke, 24, appeared before Derry Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to common assault.
The incident took place on November 15, 2013.
The court heard that Burke, who is from Summer Meadows in the Waterside, got into an argument with a female traffic warden at Boating Club Lane when he came out of a restaurant to find her issuing him with a ticket.
He became abusive to the traffic warden and called her a 'fat f****** b******' and told her to 'f****** get a real job'.
Burke then drove off in the direction of Queens Quay but returned and continued to be aggressive to the woman and took steps towards her before spitting at her with some saliva landing on her coat.
Burke initially denied the offence but later pleaded guilty.
District Judge Des Perry said: "Any public servant, whether it is a nurse or a traffic attendant, deserves the protection of the court."
Paddy McGurk, defence solicitor, said that Burke's girlfriend had come to collect him from work and could not find a parking space.
Mr McGurk said when Burke emerged from the restaurant where he is a sous chef to find the traffic warden issuing a ticket a 'heated' discussion ensued in which she 'came off worst'.
Mr McGurk said that Burke had used such 'industrial language' and he may have been 'trained by Gordon Ramsay'.
He added that Burke was aware that his behaviour could lead to a jail sentence that would result in him losing his employment.
Mr McGurk added that Burke has two suspended sentences.
District Judge Perry said that Burke had 'anger management issues'.
He addressed Burke saying: "Your behaviour was appalling and you very wisely decided to acknowledge your guilt. If I had heard that case and convicted you, you would be receiving a sentence substantially more than you are receiving today."
Burke was given a two month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.
He was also told to pay the female traffic warden £300 compensation to 'make up' for his 'appalling behaviour'.