TWO brothers launched racist attacks on customers as they were doing their shopping in a supermarket, a court has heard.

Darren Brent Stewart, 24, and jobless Gareth Craig Stewart, 20, both set about one victim in the early hours at Asda in Colne, Burnley magistrates heard.

They were then dragged from the shop by a security guard when Darren Stewart hit another customer, who he thought was staring at him.

The court was told that the Stewart brothers never received counselling after their 12-year-old sister, Rachel, was killed when she fell out of a tree while birdwatching.

Darren Stewart, of Townley Street, Colne, admitted two counts of racially aggravated assault causing actual bodily harm whilst his brother, of Hollins Road, Nelson, pleaded guilty to one allegation.

They were bailed until April 8, for pre-sentence reports and Darren Stewart was warned the bench was not ruling out custody.

Both defendants must live at their home addresses and observe 10pm to 7am curfews.

Sue Campbell, prosecuting, told the court at 1am, the first victim was walking around the shop with his 15-year-old nephew.

As they walked past the Stewarts they were racially abused, the victim ignored them, walked a couple of steps and then looked back.

The defendants approached the victim and punched and kicked him.

Mrs Campbell said a security guard separated the men.

The second victim, Imran Mahmood was by the door when he was racially abused by Darren Stewart who then started to hit him.

The first victim suffered swelling and bruises to his eye and head, cuts and abrasions and went to hospital.

Mr Mahmood had cuts and bruises and soreness. The prosecutor said :"Both victims were minding their own business, doing their shopping and both have been subjected to nasty assaults."

Mrs Campbell said Darren Stewart had a previous conviction for a racially aggravated offence and was in breach of the sentence imposed last May, whilst his brother had no record.

Lee Hammond, defending, said there had been comments made by both parties.

Darren Stewart was extremely upset, wound up and angry by the incident and the second victim was staring at him.

Mr Hammond said both brothers made full admissions at the police station and were extremely remorseful.

Darren Stewart was very disappointed to be back in court and his brother was mortified to be before the bench.

The Stewarts had not received bereavement counselling after the loss of their sister. Darren Stewart had decided to refer himself for anger management.