Four convicted in restaurant kidnap

Four men have been convicted of kidnapping two workmates after the pair tried to resign over poor pay.

An Auckland District Court jury - sitting late on Friday - found that the four restaurant workers, one of whom was the men's employer, had entered the home of Akbar Singh and Bashan Singh about 11pm on June 10, 2007.

The men had finished work and handed in letters of resignation about 10.30pm. They decided to leave the restaurant - its name is suppressed - because they were unhappy with their pay.

The court heard earlier that their employer and a gang of others had come into the house swearing and blaspheming, and telling the men they were lucky to receive their wages as it was double what they earned back home.

Akbar Singh tried to escape but was quickly caught and Bashan ran on to the balcony to phone for help.

As his boss gave chase, Bashan Singh scaled the balcony wall and was hanging over the side.

His boss tried to haul him back but lost hold of his arm as Mr Singh's other hand also slipped.

He fell to the concrete below, breaking both legs. A number of men set on him, punching, kicking and stomping on his torso and legs.

Two of the four were found guilty on further charges of wounding with intent in relation to the attack.

All four men - whose identities are suppressed - were granted bail under strict conditions and required to surrender their passports.

They are due to be sentenced late next month.