An enraged worker at a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet who is reported to have used a pot of oil to scald a customer has greater consequences to worry about than losing his job. He could be facing jail time if he is found guilty when he faces the court today.
Shane Hanniford, an employee at the KFC Restaurant in Manor Park, has been charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.It is alleged that on Wednesday morning at about 12:15 a.m. the complainant, Kwame Phidd, went to the KFC store in Manor Park with his fianc?e and two foreign female friends who were in the island vacationing for the first time.
While there, it is alleged that Hanniford started to pass remarks about the girls which made them uncomfortable. Phidd reportedly complained to the security guard who did nothing.
Hanniford reportedly continued until the young women left the store and went outside to wait. Phidd purchased his food and went outside, however the accused is said to have followed. While outside Phidd started to argue with the employee about his behaviour. It is alleged that the argument developed into a fight which was stopped by the security guard and a man who was in the store.
Returned with oil
After the fight, the manager and Phidd began to converse about the incident and the manager sought to apologise for Hanniford's behaviour. During that time, Hanniford who had gone into the restaurant, is said to have returned with a pot of oil which was used to douse Phidd.
Phidd was taken to the University Hospital of the West Indies where he has been admitted for severe burns to his back, neck and arm. He also received superficial burns within two centimetres of his right eye. However, doctors have told the family that these will heal with minor scarring. The doctors have not yet said how much surgery, if any, will be required to fix his back.
Hanniford was arrested and charged following the incident and will appear in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.
A representative from the KFC head office said that they regret what had happened and Hanniford has been suspended.
"The company's lawyers are handling everything," the representative said. In addition, the insurance company will also be taking care of Phidd's hospital expenses.
Arthur Phidd, Kwame's father was very upset about the incident. "Is just three weeks ago he wrote me a letter telling me how much he loves me," he said. He said the incident has set back his son's educational pursuits. "Right now he has exams to do and he is in hospital and can't do them," he said.
Kwame, who is his youngest son, is a second-year biochemistry student at the University of the West Indies, Mona. He says the family has not yet determined what action to take about the matter but the family's lawyers are handling everything. "I can't think about that right now. My priority is the health of my son," he said.
