A CUSTOMER has been ordered to pay for his slap-up meal – two years after he did a runner.

William Potter and three friends dined at Milsoms in Stratford Road, Dedham, on scallops, beef fillet, lamb shanks and cod.

Then they ordered desserts and helped to wash the lot down with two bottles of James Bond’s favourite champagne – Dom Perignon – at £148.40 a bottle.

They also enjoyed a bottle of Italian pinot grigio at £23.50 and two bottles of £35 rioja from the wine list.

At the end of the meal, Potter’s friends left the restaurant and started a car.

Back inside, Potter told staff he would pay the bill after going to the toilet.

He used the toilet, then vanished.

And as the restaurant did not take bookings, there was no clue to who the dinners were.

Police later put out CCTV footage of the group and the publicity led to Potter telling police he was responsible.

The 48-year-old from Cedar Avenue, Tiptree, had been expected to face at trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on a charge of making off without payment.

But when he appeared in court yesterday, he changed his plea to guilty and was given a 120 hour unpaid work order and supervision for a year.

Recorder Colin Chandler also told Potter to pay the outstanding restaurant bill.

The court heard the incident took place on February 2, 2013, saw him again.

Restaurant owner Paul Milsom said at the time: “They obviously decided they were going to do this and ran up a big bill.

“Our average spend is not that high and this was clearly premeditated, which is disheartening. They knew what they were doing. This was no mistake.

He added:”"It hardly ever happens and we have the CCTV to ensure if it does we can identify the people involved.”