Waiters jailed after attack on their boss

Mohammed Hussain, of Poplar, and Abdul Karim, of Bow, admitted taking a Renault Laguna, ten bank cards, wine and spirits, a driving licence, mobile phone and cash from Harumil Shapon, of the Dursley Tandoor, in Long Street, on March 11.

The total value of the property taken was estimated at £2,500.

At Gloucester Crown Court James Patrick, prosecuting, said the robbery happened at the Dursley Tandoori where both men worked and lived.

"There was a dispute about alcohol and wages and the defendants went to confront their boss in his bedroom," said Mr Patrick.

"Mr Shapon was pushed and to defend himself he bit one of their hands. A struggle ensued with both men kicking and punching him.

"He thought that he would be killed and called out. Two chefs came and pulled both men off.

"Hussain went out of the room and got a hammer and a knife. The knife was taken off him quickly but he still had the hammer and threatened to kill all three men.

"Hussain and Karim demanded the keys to Mr Shapon's car and took bank cards, cash, wine and spirits - anything they could get their hands on."

Mr Patrick said that Mr Shapon suffered bruising, a torn eyelid and damage to his iris.

Both defendants had previous convictions for common assault, he added. Nicholas Rhodes, defending Hussain, said his client was full of remorse. Hussain had been drinking heavily on the night when they were told their wages would be docked £200.

He said Hussain totally accepted that he was the one who got the weapons but did not use them at all. Karim played a smaller role in the robbery.

Judge Carole Hagen told both men: "You only have to look at the photos of Mr Shapon to see what sort of attack he was subjected to - it must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.

"I am glad to see that you are both remorseful because you should be." Hussain was jailed for two years and nine months. Karim was jailed for two years and six months.