THREE former wheel clampers who refused to pay a restaurant bill before demanding £10,000 from waitresses have avoided jail.

Mark Stone, Edward Lapenna and Ben Collins went to the Chaba Thai, in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, after being asked to collect three months’ unpaid rent by the landlord.

Basildon Crown Court heard they were not licensed debt collectors, but Stone was asked to collect the money.

Judge Christopher Mitchell yesterday branded their behaviour “perfectly appalling”.

Stone took former doormen Lapenna and Collins to the restaurant on September 7.

Prosecutor Andrew Jackson said: “They ordered food and three bottles of expensive champagne.

“They complained about the food. When a £310 bill was presented, Stone produced a credit card machine to the waitress and said you owe £10,000.”

Stone’s defence lawyer said he has no previous convictions, acted out of character due to personal problems and regretted the incident.

Lapenna was at low risk of offending, while Collins believed the main reason for the meal was to celebrate Stone’s partner being pregnant, the court heard.

All three admitted public order offences of using threatening words and behaviour.

They each received 13-week jail sentences suspended for nine months, must pay £75 compensation and £300 costs.