A complaint about a price tag in Rochdale’s flagship 99p Store escalated into an unseemly brawl, causing damage estimated at £56.43.
Rochdale Magistrates’ Court heard claims that items such as tea lights and slightly smaller than standard Dime Bars were used as projectiles during the fracas that erupted after a disgruntled shopper took exception to the ‘special premium product’ price of £1 for a copy of Amanda Holden’s book ‘No Holding Back’.
The case against defendant Penny Parke was that after confronting store manager Simon Urzaiz she ‘went bug-eyed mental’ and began hurling regular-priced items at staff who were left cowering for safety on the shop floor.
“I explained it was a premium product”, said Urzaiz, “and then all hell broke loose”. CCTV footage verified claims that after hurling the contents of her basket Parke brawled with other customers before retreating to a stronghold next to the kitchenware. Although Parke caused only minor collateral damage with a splattering of spatulas, she successfully brained one unfortunate cross-fire-walker-into with a frying pan.
Solicitor Ryan Platt attempted to argue his client was simply reacting to ‘blatant pricing flim-flammery’ but this was rejected and Ms Parke was fined and ordered to undertake 30 hours community service.
Amanda Holden was unavailable for comment.
