A GOUROCK man and his accomplice hurled racist abuse and attacked employees at a car parts shop.

Local David McAlpine, who is 27, and Kieran Coyle, 30, made sickening remarks to four employees at Auto Cruisers Superstore in Glasgow's Gallowgate during an incident on May 4 last year.

The men appeared in the dock at Glasgow Sheriff Court over the serious offences, with Coyle jailed and McAlpine due to return to learn his fate next month.

A sheriff heard that during the pair's rant at the shop Coyle had stated 'You don't belong here, this is our country' and McAlpine swore as he used a racist term towards them.

One of the victims then asked both men to leave the premises.

Prosecutor Lauren Donnelly said: "Coyle ran towards him and punched him with a closed first to the right side of the head."

All four employees attempted to push Coyle away.

Ms Donnelly said: "Coyle and McAlpine continued to behave aggressively towards the men, punching two to the head and body."

The employees managed to get both men outside where it was noted Coyle had a metal pole.

He swung it in the direction of one of the men, striking him on the head and causing him to bleed.

The man had to be taken to hospital where he was treated with six stitches to a head wound.

Another of the victims was struck on the head before Coyle dropped the pole while local man McAlpine fled the scene.

When McAlpine was later arrested by police he complained they were 'rude' and threatened that he would bite their nose off.

The pair pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards the four men.

Coyle admitted assault to injury and permanent disfigurement while McAlpine plead guilty to assault and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner to police.

David McCaig, defending Coyle, told the court that the metal pole was from a Hoover at the store.

The lawyer added: "He instructs me to tell the court that he is utterly remorseful."

Paul Keenan, defending McAlpine, said: "He accepts that this is deplorable and utterly reprehensible."

Coyle was jailed for 32 months.

Sheriff Paul Reid said: "This was an act of extreme violence against members of society who are serving the public in numerous ways - these people need to be protected."

McAlpine will be sentenced next month and was granted bail meantime.