Chef releases ‘cockroach bomb’ into kitchen after pay row

After a dispute over holiday pay, chef Tom Williams released 20 cockroaches into the kitchen of the Royal William VI pub in Lincoln.

On 11 October last year, Williams, who by then had ceased working at the pub, messaged a threat to “cockroach bomb” the kitchen in a dispute over the offer of £100 of holiday pay. He was reportedly particularly angry over the issue as he had to provide for his son, of whom he had had sole custody for two years.

Two days later the threat was carried out and approximately 20 cockroaches, which he possessed for the feeding of exotic pets, were released by Williams into the kitchen. Prosecutor David Eager told Lincoln Crown Court: “He [Williams] entered the premises and released a number of cockroaches. They are a non-native species of cockroach used to feed snakes and tarantulas.”

After the arthropods were unleashed, pub staff called pest control and Environmental Health and shut the venue. The closure and deep clean ended up costing the pub £22,000.

Williams had been due to stand trial in November but did not show up.

In a victim statement read by Eager, the pub’s owner said: “The effect it has had on staff and families is large. It isn’t just the finances of to the company, it was how the rest of the Royal William team, particularly the kitchen team, are upset with what happened…They were depressed that someone who they worked alongside would be so callous towards them.”

Williams pled guilty to a charge of burglary with intent to cause criminal damage, and failing to surrender for his trial. He was sentenced to 17 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and 200 hours of community service.

Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight said of Williams: “You are very immature despite your age. Your son and society in general could benefit from you growing up.”

This article was originally published by the drinks business and has been shared with permission.

Leave your reply

Most Recent Stories

Unfiltered: James Snowdon

The Edinburgh native and former manager of Fulham’s Harwood Arms co-founded the ultra-popular Edinburgh brasserie with Australian-born Lloyd Morse, previously of Spring. He talks to Douglas Blyde about storing wines and stealing naps in the vault of this former bank, mind-blowing coffee, and “floating about on a cloud of charisma”…

Three in four Brits will head to the pub for the Coronation

Record numbers of pints are predicted to be sold over the Coronation weekend taking place on 6-8 May, with 75% of Brits planning to celebrate the crowning of the new King by heading to the pub.

'Britain's wonkiest pub' is looking for a new owner

If you're a long time admirer of both the Leaning Tower of Pisa and beer, an exciting opportunity has just arisen to bag yourself a lopsided slice of history.

WLC Eats: Caia, Notting Hill

Louis Thomas finds creative twists on crowd-pleasing dishes and a reliable by-the-glass offering at Caia in Notting Hill.

Lanson pairs Noble with Hide tasting menu

With the help of its chef ambassador Ollie Dabbous, Lanson is expanding the on-trade listings for its prestige line Noble 2004, made in Brut and Blanc de Blancs styles, in a series of gastronomic dinners for Champagne enthusiasts.

Most Recent Stories

Unfiltered: James Snowdon

The Edinburgh native and former manager of Fulham’s Harwood Arms co-founded the ultra-popular Edinburgh brasserie with Australian-born Lloyd Morse, previously of Spring. He talks to Douglas Blyde about storing wines and stealing naps in the vault of this former bank, mind-blowing coffee, and “floating about on a cloud of charisma”…

Three in four Brits will head to the pub for the Coronation

Record numbers of pints are predicted to be sold over the Coronation weekend taking place on 6-8 May, with 75% of Brits planning to celebrate the crowning of the new King by heading to the pub.

'Britain's wonkiest pub' is looking for a new owner

If you're a long time admirer of both the Leaning Tower of Pisa and beer, an exciting opportunity has just arisen to bag yourself a lopsided slice of history.

WLC Eats: Caia, Notting Hill

Louis Thomas finds creative twists on crowd-pleasing dishes and a reliable by-the-glass offering at Caia in Notting Hill.

Lanson pairs Noble with Hide tasting menu

With the help of its chef ambassador Ollie Dabbous, Lanson is expanding the on-trade listings for its prestige line Noble 2004, made in Brut and Blanc de Blancs styles, in a series of gastronomic dinners for Champagne enthusiasts.