Racist thug jailed for Bristol attack
Stephen Monelle, aged 43, of Chelmsford Walk, St Anne's, was locked up for two years at Bristol Crown Court yesterday, for racially aggravated assault, assault and violent disorder during the violence at Birchwood in St Anne's in March.
James Morris, 18 – who was 17 at the time of the incident and had already spent almost six months remanded in custody before yesterday's hearing – was sentenced to an 18-month supervision order and three-month curfew for affray, two counts of battery, violent disorder and damaging property.
The pair and Ashley Stockham, 18, caused havoc when they entered the shop, from which Monelle and Morris had already been banned after an assault on one of the shopkeepers last October.
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." After some gesturing and shouting, Morris 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 to defend themselves.
When Monelle and Stockman left the premises, Morris started to throw things, including the till, which he hurled towards Mr Sasiyanthan.
Mr Sasiyanthan suffered head, nose, knee, chin and back injuries. His colleague had minor injuries including a swollen forehead and cut mouth.
Judge Michael Longman said: "This was a disgraceful and outrageous incident where two shop assistants were attacked and assaulted in the course of their employment, and for doing no more than their job." He said Monelle had been "boorish" and "bullying" and had set an "outstandingly poor example" to the young men he was with.
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