A 17-year-old boy barged into the New Panda Chinese takeaway in Crofton at 10.40pm on June 22.

He was swearing and demanding to know how much for curry and rice.

The boy produced a 10-inch long kitchen knife and vaulted across the counter. He then went for the staff and threatened them.

A court heard how the youth raised the knife over his head and demanded: "You have to cook for me".

Chef Yoke Ful Foon, 35, even offered to cook for him for free.

The chef told the Express: "It was a bit worrying and is a bit scary when a 10-inch knife is facing you.

"It was very weird and strange. I didn't know why he was like that. He lost control."

Wakefield Youth Court heard how Mr Foon and his colleague, May Yik, retreated in fear to the kitchen and then fled seeking help.

They returned with a shop owner and found the youth eating food in the kitchen.

Mr Foon said: "He picked up rice, curry and chicken on the container tray.

"I was amazed."

The boy, from Crofton, replied: "I only came here to get something to eat, not to give you trouble. Get me some salt and vinegar."

The youth apologised, put £3 down on the counter and left.

He later told police he had the knife to self-harm but wanted something to eat first.

And he claimed the man behind the counter had laughed at marks on his arm.

The boy pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a bladed article.

The court heard he had a problem with alcohol and the boy did not intend the out-of-character incident to happen.

Magistrate Jan Hudson imposed a 12-month referral order with £60 costs.

She said he was lucky to escape a prison sentence.

Owner Kin Yik was pleased with the sentence given to his wife's assailant.

He said: "Normally Crofton is a quiet village. When something like that happens it shocks a lot of people.

"We are going to be very careful. You don't know who is carrying a knife."