Youths attacked Asian shop assistant, court told

7:20pm Friday 16th May 2008

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FOUR youths took part in a "disgraceful" assault on an Asian shop assistant who came out of the premises to aid a customer.

Durham Crown Court heard that the customer came under attack by Philip Renwick, outside Gill's store, in Moorside, near Consett, County Durham, on September 3 last year.

In response the assistant emerged to try to help the man, who had been punched at least twice by Renwick.

The court was told the assistant said he was unarmed, but Renwick and co-accused Mark Anthony McCormack, Paul Johnson and Ashley Paul Wood all claimed he was carrying a baseball bat.

Andrew Walker, prosecuting, said they claimed Wood was struck with the bat, so they disarmed the assistant and assaulted him.

"All four were involved in the attack, causing him to fall to the ground, where he was punched and kicked, while racist abuse was aimed at him.

"He suffered two lacerations to the top of the head and bruising to the face and body."

Mr Walker said it was only when the assistant's father emerged from the shop armed with a metal pole that they fled.

The dazed assistant was helped back into the premises and needed 11 stitches in hospital treatment for his injuries.

Police were told who was involved in the incident and all were arrested over the following fortnight.

Barristers for all four claimed it was a case of "self defence gone too far".

All pleaded 'guilty' to unlawful wounding, while Renwick also admitted common assault and Johnson admitted breaching an anti-social behaviour order.

Judge Michael Cartlidge told the quartet: "This really was a disgraceful incident by all of you."

Renwick, 22, of Mickleton Close, Consett, was jailed for nine months.

MCormack, 27, of Watling Street, in nearby Leadgate, and Johnson, 24, of Briardale, Delves Lane, Consett, were given nine-month sentences, suspended for two years.

McCormack must also perform 300-hours' unpaid work, while Johnson was given 18-months' probation supervision, with a 7pm - 7am three-month electronically-agged home curfew, and pay £233 costs.

Wood, 25, of Brockwell House, Rowlands Gill, near Gateshead, who has no previous convictions, was given a community order to include 200-hours' unpaid work.