A PIZZA shop owner has had to cut back his evening delivery service after being beaten up by a customer.

Izatullah Peruzi was headbutted and punched when teenager Michael Moore had insufficient cash to pay for his order and grabbed hold of the bag as he was walking away.

Prosecutor Ed Phillips told Southampton Crown Court how Mr Peruzi was pulled back, headbutted and after being grabbed around the neck and pinned against the wall, was also punched.

The 19-year-old began rifling his pockets and Mr Peruzi was so terrified he told him to take anything he wanted and in addition to the £28 order, he also stole his mobile phone.

As a result of the assault, the delivery man had suffered a chipped tooth and pain to his nose that had recently been operated on.

The incident happened at about 11pm and in an impact statement Mr Peruzi said he no longer delivered orders after 10pm.

Moore, of Crigdon Close, Southampton, admitted robbery and was jailed for two years. Judge Peter Henry said the victim was vulnerable, the offence was late at night and he had also been subjected to racist abuse.

In mitigation, Jamie Porter told the court Moore had had a difficult relationship with his parents and he was drawn into a peer group involved in criminal matters.

Alcohol, however, was the main reason behind his offending but in custody he had been addressing his problems.