An 18-year-old man who threatened to shoot a fast food employee after receiving incorrect condiments with his order has been imprisoned for three years following a terrifying Christmas Eve assault captured on CCTV.
Marwan Khadir pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, making threats to kill and assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm after the shocking incident at a Penge chicken shop in south London.
The teenager had demanded three garlic sauces and three mayonnaises with his order but was instead provided with burger sauce, triggering a violent rage that saw him return to the premises brandishing a realistic replica weapon.
Footage presented to the court showed Khadir sat in his living room methodically counting the condiment sachets before telephoning the restaurant to lodge a complaint about the error.
He subsequently burst back into the premises shouting: “I asked for three garlic and three mayos… You gave me four burger sauces,” before attempting to clamber over the counter to assault the worker.
The victim was captured on surveillance cameras waving his hands in fear as Khadir pointed the imitation firearm directly at him whilst threatening to shoot and kill the employee—all whilst continuing to complain about his incorrect order.
Khadir repeatedly struck the worker during the attack before fleeing the scene, with police subsequently tracking him through CCTV analysis and seizing both the replica gun and fake ammunition during searches.
Detective Sergeant Amy Cross, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s courage: “All our thoughts continue to remain with the victim of this terrifying ordeal, something no one should ever have to go through, let alone at their place of work. The strength he has shown since the attack has been remarkable.”
She emphasised the complainant’s bravery in reporting the assault and subsequently identifying Khadir as his attacker—a “crucial moment in allowing us to move the investigation forward.”
DS Cross highlighted officers’ dedication over the festive period: “The tireless work by officers on this case over the Christmas and New Year period is further evidence that policing never stops, and their efforts ultimately led to a conviction.”
The case underscores escalating violence faced by retail and hospitality workers, with the incident’s disproportionate response to a minor service error shocking investigators and court officials alike.
