A drunken thug who was filmed performing the "ice bucket challenge" in a McDonald's kitchen after vaulting the serving counter has admitted assault.

Tattooed Aaron Reed, 23, launched himself over the tills at the fast food outlet in Ashford as friends captured the stunt on a mobile phone.

When challenged by a staff member, Reed grabbed a spoon and flicked chocolate chips at him, before grinding a paper cup in his face.

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A court heard how Reed, who has previously served a prison sentence for attempted robbery, terrified staff as he brazenly swaggered around the cooking area where burgers were being prepared.

Will Bodiam, prosecuting, told how Reed had entered the restaurant on High Street twice on the night of October 11 this year.

He initially went in at around 7pm and slipped behind the serving hatch via a swing gate, which was barred to customers, said Mr Bodiam.

Reed grabbed some ice and threw it over himself making a reference to the ice bucket challenge – the global craze in which nominees are showered with ice cubes, usually for charity.

Mr Bodiam said Reed had left the restaurant with his sniggering friends but returned later and was told to leave when staff recognised him.

"He jumped over the serving counter and was trying to find the ice bucket," said Mr Bodiam. "He grabbed the ice and was challenged by Josiah Taylor.

"This time he picked up a spoon and began flicking chocolate chips at Mr Taylor. Mr Taylor told him to leave. He grabbed a paper cup and pushed it into his face and neck area."

Mr Bodiam said the group left and the incident was subsequently uploaded to social media by either Mr Reed or his friends.

He was then identified by police from CCTV images taken in the restaurant.

Reed, from Grosvenor Road, Kennington, admitted assault at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Stuart Green, defending, said: "He's made a guilty plea. He recognises the stupidity of what he did. He was in drink at the time."

Reed had split up with his partner and was "sofa surfing" at that stage, said Mr Green. His lifestyle had led to increased drinking at that point, he added.

Video: Aaron Reed taunting a worker behind the counter at McDonald's

Reed, now working as a labourer, was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment in 2010 when he admitted attempted robbery at Maidstone Crown Court.

On Friday he was ordered to carry out 100 hours community punishment for the assault on Mr Taylor. He was also ordered to pay Mr Taylor £85 compensation, as well as £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Chairman Caroline Snowden said: "These people were simply there trying to do their jobs. And you didn't let them do that."

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