TWO men who headbutted and punched staff in a Chinese takeaway in a racially-aggravated attack have been sentenced to hundreds of hours of unpaid work by a court.

Roofer Ross Morrow, 24, of Wear View, Byers Green, Spennymoor, and factory worker Michael Johnson, 28, who lives on the same street, were drunk when they went for food at Happy Valley takeaway, on High Street, Spennymoor, on October 7.

But the night ended in violence when Morrow lost his temper and started headbutting and punching the staff, and was later joined by Johnson.

Morrow was found guilty of two counts of racially-aggravated assault, two counts of assault and one criminal damage charge at an earlier hearing, while Johnson was convicted of racially-aggravated assault and assault.

Emma Shea, prosecuting, said the pair had entered Happy Valley and made racist comments.

Morrow then ripped a Chinese decoration from the ceiling and danced around the shop singing in a Chinese accent and making more racist remarks.

She added: “The defendant attempted to place the decoration the victim’s head then became aggressive and abusive.”

Morrow then headbutted and punched the staff member, and punched another victim to the face, at which point Johnson started helping him. Morrow smashed the window, bent the takeaway door back, and continued with aggression and violence.

The victim tried to hold the door shut, stopping Morrow coming back in the shop, but was dragged away by Johnson.

In an impact statement, the victim said: “I have had my business for about six years and this is the most frightened I have been. He kept leaving and coming back and I didn’t know what he was going to do next. He attacked us so violently and we did nothing to this male.”

Paul Donaghue, mitigating, said both men were incredibly remorseful about what took place.

Morrow was sentenced to 300 hours unpaid work with an 18 month community order and ordered to pay £1,280 in fines, costs and compensation.

Johnson was sentenced to 150 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay a total of £495.