TWO members of a mob who attacked an Olympic medal hopeful have been told they could be facing jail.

Champion athlete Jared Deacon, 29, was pelted with makeshift missiles and was punched in the face during the attack in Horsley Hill Square, in South Shields, as he returned from visiting his mother on August 17 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mr Deacon - a member of Britain's successful 4x400 metre relay squad - used his mobile to ring for help from his brothers David and John and all three had bottles and cans thrown at them by a gang of up to 20 youths.

Teenagers Craig Winter and Ross Young denied being part of the gang but were found guilty by a jury yesterday.

After the verdict, Mr Recorder Myerson said he believed the attack was motivated because Mr Deacon had achieved something in his life which his attackers had not.

The court had heard how Mr Deacon was unable to get away from the mob because his scooter had been kicked to the ground.

He told jurors he believed he had been recognised by his attackers who had left him with a black eye and taunted him: "you won't be going to the Olympics now".

Craig Winter, 18, of Cheviot Road, South Shields, denied affray and assaulting Jared Deacon.

Ross Young, 17, of Lumley Avenue, South Shields, denied affray, damaging property and common assault on David Deacon.

But both were found guilty on all charges by a jury after just two hours' deliberation.

Both were released on bail until sentencing on July 1.