Enraged at not getting a deal on his takeaways, a Palmerston North man jumped the counter at a city pizza outlet and verbally abused staff.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Ollie Outtrim told the Palmerston North District Court yesterday that Chad Darryl Strickland, 22, unemployed, went to Domino's Pizza on Pioneer Highway on May 26.

He was drunk and ordered some food, but took offence with the manager when his order was completed.

Strickland jumped onto the counter and started verbally abusing the manager, at one stage holding him by his clothes.

He then jumped onto the staff side of the counter and abused other employees.

But when police arrived, he was back on the customer side.

In explanation, Strickland told police he had wanted to "smack" the manager.

Defence lawyer Mark Alderdice said his client was very embarrassed about the situation.

Mr Alderdice said Strickland became angry after not getting a deal on his meal.

He had consumed too much alcohol and his judgment went out the window because of that, he said.

Mr Alderdice said Strickland had wanted to apologise to the manager for his behaviour, but had been unable to do so.

Judge David Smith said an apology would be a good idea considering what the manager would have gone through, and ordered Strickland to pay $600 reparation to him.

- © Fairfax NZ News