Richard Flynn, 41, and Samuel Ramsay, 53, admitted hurling the vicious abuse at the worker in the Madon Store in Clydebank earlier this year.

Flynn, of Scott Street, turned up at the store drunk on January 17, Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard last Tuesday.

Isobel Martin, prosecuting, told the court: “He walked towards the counter straight away and started standing next to the complainer. He shouted and swore at him and then left the store.

“The complainer was very shaken and called the police. They arrived and looked at the CCTV showing the entire incident.” Unfortunately neither Flynn nor Ramsay were finished with the abuse, and at 10am the next morning both returned to the shop.

Ms Martin continued: “The man was working again on his own when they entered the store. Flynn walked behind the counter and stood next to the complainer and Ramsay also approached the counter. Both were shouting racial slurs and abuse at him.

“They then left and he was again very shaken and feeling very vulnerable, calling the police. Police again viewed CCTV which showed the incident.” The drunken pair were later arrested.

Defending Flynn, Ms McGinty told the court her client had had difficulties with alcohol, which she said had “played a significant part” in his life.

She told how this was his “local shop” which he used often and that the incident had “left him mortified” saying it was his alcohol abuse that had led him to act like this.

Sheriff Colin McKay intervened at this point, saying: “His alcohol problem has been one for some time. Why, in his 40s, does he all of a sudden act like this?” Ms McGinty had no answer, but said her client had abstained from drinking since the incident in January this year.

Defending Ramsay, Mr Lanagan said: “Someone going about their lawful business shouldn’t be subjected to this kind of behaviour. This is an appalling incident.” He told the court the pair had been drinking since 6am and estimated they had drank two bottles of vodka. Mr Lanagan said his client’s record “did him no favours,” adding that it went on “for pages”.

Sheriff McKay said it seemed “extraordinary” that Flynn acted in such a manner, for the first time, at this stage of his life. He was fined a total of £500.

A sterner warning was given to Ramsay, of Davies Square, Clydebank.

Sheriff McKay said: “It’s a question whether or not I simply send you to prison today, because , with your record, that’s exactly where you should go. But I have listened to your solicitor and the defence he has given and I am minded otherwise.” Ramsay was placed on supervision for 12 months, ordered to address his addiction problems, and told to complete 180 hours unpaid work.

Sheriff McKay warned Ramsay: “If you fail to comply, it’s almost inevitable that you will be sent to prison for a significant time. The maximum you could face is 18 months.”