A pair of racist thugs have been found guilty of terrorising Sri Lankan shop assistants in St Anne's.

Bristol Crown Court was told that, following an incident at Birchwood Stores, Stephen Monelle and a 17-year-old boy were barred.

But they returned with Ashley Stockham in March, and Monelle called two Tamil shop assistants "Paki slaves" before attacking them.

Following a trial and a day of jury deliberation, Monelle, 43, of Chelmsford Walk, St Anne's, was found guilty by 10-2 majority verdict of racially aggravated assault and simple assault.

Stockham, 18, of Valentine Close, Whitchurch, was found guilty by 10-2 majority of two counts of racially aggravated assault and racially aggravated criminal damage.

All three defendants were found guilty of violent disorder by a unanimous verdict.

The trio had denied that charge, and the racially aggravated offences, but both Stockham and the 17-year admitted affray. The minor also admitted two counts of battery and damaging property. He was cleared of racially aggravated assault and criminal damage.

Sarah Regan, prosecuting, said on the day in question Sasiyanthan Sriwickramarajasingham and Uthaykumar Subramaniam were at the shop when the three came in at about 4.45pm.

Miss Regan said Monelle was seen pointing his finger aggressively towards Mr Sasiyanthan, saying things to the effect of: "I was born right here in Bristol. You've got to serve me, Paki slave."

Monelle, who said he was not banned from the shop, believed he acted as peacemaker and Stockham admitted "stupidly" joining in when trouble started. The jury was shown CCTV footage of Monelle and Stockham entering the shop, with the youth staying at the door.

Miss Regan said: "From the beginning it is Mr Monelle who is in charge and it is Mr Monelle who is the aggressor."

After some gesturing and shouting, the youth lunged and punched Mr Uthaykumar and Stockman joined in the attack, followed by Monelle.

Mr Uthaykumar picked up a metal rod and Mr Sasiyanthan grabbed a bottle as the assault was unleashed.

When Monelle and Stockman left the premises, the youth started to throw things about, including the till, which he hurled towards Mr Sasiyanthan. Mr Sasiyanthan suffered injuries to his head, nose, knee and back as well as a cut chin. His colleague had minor injuries including a swollen forehead and cut mouth.

Judge Michael Longman adjourned the case to a date to be set, for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.