THE ruthless slaying of Lemy Bullock, 36, with a samurai sword in one of his local pubs shocked the close-knit Pill community, which was praised today for its help in bringing his killers to justice.

Despite the best efforts of friends and the emergency services, Mr Bullock died in hospital after the late-night attack at Pill's Harvey's bar.

At Cardiff crown court yesterday, Mo Nasser, 44, of Kirby Lane, and Martyn Bruce, 38, of Courtybella Gardens, both Pill, were convicted by a jury of Mr Bullock's murder following a five-week trial.

Kent, 24, of Livale Court, Bettws, Newport, pleaded guilty last August to his part in the murder.

Kent plunged the sword twice into Mr Bullock's stomach when the trio were disguised in masks like those in the horror film Scream. Mo Nasser's brother Abdul 'Sammy' Nasser, 39, of Bassaleg Road, Newport, was acquitted of murder.

Mohammed 'Ziggy' Abbes, 50, of Cardiff Road, Newport, was cleared of the charge of assisting an offender. He had been accused of harbouring the gang after the attack at Florence House in Pill's Ruperra Street.

Prosecutor Gerard Elias, QC, told the jury Mr Bullock was killed by an intimidating, violent gang cultivating a "hard-man image", because he had stood up to them.

He said the events leading up to Mr Bullock's death appeared to have their roots in an alleged beating and robbery suffered by his cousin Nick 'Dyker' Griffiths by the three over claims he was a drug dealer.

Mr Elias said: "Mr Bullock spoke out against their violent exploits and they didn't like it and simply decided to silence him once and for all. "Standing up to them was something that was to rankle with the three men and in all probability led to the planning for Mr Bullock's death."

Mo Nasser, Kent and Bruce were high on the day of the attack - Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - after spending much of it drinking vodka and smoking cannabis. Hours before Mr Bullock was murdered, he said, the three took part in the vicious beating of another well-known local Pill figure.

Mr Elias told the court: "In their drunken state they attacked a man, Johnny Morgan - sadly brain damaged by an industrial accident at work some years ago - punching and dragging him to the floor before kicking him." The three are remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced next week.

Speaking outside the court yesterday, Detective Chief Inspector Chris Dodd said members of the Pill community played a "vital part" in bring the gang to justice.

He said: "The successful conclusion of this trial is based in large part on the excellent response by uniformed officers on the night of the incident in identifying and securing witnesses and attempting to save Mr Bullock's life."

DCI Dodd said: "The community of Pill should be thanked for their readiness in standing up to these men and for their willingness to come forward with vital information.

"They have played a crucial role in bringing these three men to justice for the murder of Mr Bullock."

He also paid tribute to Mr Bullock's family. "The investigation team have been impressed by the dignity and courage of the Bullock family, in particular Lemy's mother, and it is hoped the verdicts give some comfort. Those responsible for his death have been convicted and will be sentenced."