A man who flew into a drunken rage in an Indian restaurant has spoken of his remorse.

Robert Brewer, a recovering alcoholic, said he deeply regretted shouting abusive comments at staff in Namaste in Clarence Street, Gloucester.

Brewer, 45, of Spinney Road, Barnwood, pleaded guilty to a charge of being drunk and disorderly in a public place at Gloucester Magistrates' Court.

He told magistrates he had been struggling to cope with the death of a close friend when the incident happened.

Louise Pinder, prosecuting, said Brewer had been in the restaurant on November 7 this year where he had been eating a meal with friends.

She said: "He was abusive towards staff, refusing to pay or to leave.

"The police were called and when they arrived he was abusive towards them. He was restrained and arrested."

Brewer said he was embarrassed by the incident.

It happened while he was taking Antabuse, a drug approved for the treatment of alcohol abuse.

He has since taken steps to make amends with staff at Namaste.

He said: "I lost a friend who was in the forces and I went a bit off the rails.

"I have been back to the restaurant and spoken to the manager and he would not accept any money from me to pay for the meal.

"I said I was sorry and I have also written to them. I was taking Antabuse at the time.

"I had lost my friend and this was a blip."

Magistrates accepted Brewer was working with an alcohol worker to tackle his problems with addiction.

Chairman of the bench Carol Kingsbury said: "We understand this was an unfortunate blip and that you are working to address your alcohol problems."

Brewer was given a six-month conditional discharge.